Life As a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender

Occupation Description Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

What do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders do On a Daily Basis?

• Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
• Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
• Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down if necessary.
• Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
• Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
• Inventory supplies received and consumed.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

Below is a list of the skills most Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders say are important on the job.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Job Titles

• Spray Dry Operator
• Acid Patroller
• Desulphuring Operator
• C D Stripper
• Ripening Room Hand

Is There Going to be Demand for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?

There were about 74,100 jobs for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in 2016 (in the United States).

Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender jobs are decreasing by a rate of -5%. This means the total job opportunities are shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a loss of -3,700 jobs for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,300 positions for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender per year.

The states with the most job growth for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders are Texas, Georgia, and Utah.

Watch out if you plan on working in Tennessee, Ohio, or Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders ranges between about $29,050 and $77,660 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $48,770.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for jobs of this type in different U.S. states.

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Wyoming	$73,370
Louisiana	$64,870
West Virginia	$63,170
Delaware	$60,990
Texas	$59,450
Tennessee	$57,150
California	$56,730
Alabama	$56,240
Mississippi	$55,570
Michigan	$54,470
Idaho	$53,970
Illinois	$53,330
Kentucky	$53,240
New Mexico	$52,390
Massachusetts	$51,380
Nevada	$50,780
Nebraska	$50,420
Indiana	$50,230
New Jersey	$49,050
Arkansas	$48,950
Maryland	$48,840
Iowa	$48,180
South Carolina	$47,900
Ohio	$47,570
North Carolina	$46,920
Pennsylvania	$46,900
Minnesota	$46,730
Washington	$46,580
Connecticut	$46,180
Florida	$46,070
New York	$45,880
Oregon	$45,270
Colorado	$44,840
Oklahoma	$44,730
Kansas	$43,850
Wisconsin	$43,800
Missouri	$42,480
Virginia	$41,930
New Hampshire	$41,900
Rhode Island	$41,670
Maine	$41,640
Arizona	$40,190
Georgia	$39,920
Utah	$39,520
South Dakota	$36,290

What Tools do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• SAP
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• IBM Notes

How do I Become a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

Learn what Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

Where Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Are Employed

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender may also be interested in:

• Log Graders and Scalers
• Segmental Pavers
• Hoist and Winch Operators

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons