Salary Breakdown
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Average
$40,020
ANNUAL
$19.24
HOURLY
Entry Level
$28,650
ANNUAL
$13.78
HOURLY
Mid Level
$37,740
ANNUAL
$18.15
HOURLY
Expert Level
$58,280
ANNUAL
$28.02
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Chemical Plant and System Operators
1,140
Projected job openings through 2030
Sample Career Roadmap
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Supporting Programs
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Top Expected Tasks
Chemical Plant and System Operators
01
Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
02
Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
03
Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
04
Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
05
Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
06
Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
07
Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
08
Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
09
Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
10
Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
KNOWLEDGE
Chemistry
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Quality Control Analysis
SKILL
Critical Thinking
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Selective Attention
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
Related Careers
Manufacturing
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