What Does it Take to Be a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?
Job 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.
Life As a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender: What Do They Do?
- Inventory supplies received and consumed.
- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities or send them to laboratories for testing.
- Direct activities of workers assisting in control or verification of processes or in unloading of materials.
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Things a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Should Know How to Do
When polled, Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Other Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Job Titles
- Multiskill Operator
- Fermenter Operator
- Chlorine Operator
- Generator Operator
- Ripening Room Hand
What Kind of Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 74,100 jobs for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender. 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 Operator or Tender are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Virginia, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender ranges between $29,050 and $77,660.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders who work in Wyoming, West Virginia, or Louisiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $56,240 |
Arizona | $40,190 |
Arkansas | $48,950 |
California | $56,730 |
Colorado | $44,840 |
Connecticut | $46,180 |
Delaware | $60,990 |
Florida | $46,070 |
Georgia | $39,920 |
Idaho | $53,970 |
Illinois | $53,330 |
Indiana | $50,230 |
Iowa | $48,180 |
Kansas | $43,850 |
Kentucky | $53,240 |
Louisiana | $64,870 |
Maine | $41,640 |
Maryland | $48,840 |
Massachusetts | $51,380 |
Michigan | $54,470 |
Minnesota | $46,730 |
Mississippi | $55,570 |
Missouri | $42,480 |
Nebraska | $50,420 |
Nevada | $50,780 |
New Hampshire | $41,900 |
New Jersey | $49,050 |
New Mexico | $52,390 |
New York | $45,880 |
North Carolina | $46,920 |
Ohio | $47,570 |
Oklahoma | $44,730 |
Oregon | $45,270 |
Pennsylvania | $46,900 |
Rhode Island | $41,670 |
South Carolina | $47,900 |
South Dakota | $36,290 |
Tennessee | $57,150 |
Texas | $59,450 |
Utah | $39,520 |
Virginia | $41,930 |
Washington | $46,580 |
West Virginia | $63,170 |
Wisconsin | $43,800 |
Wyoming | $73,370 |
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
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- SAP
- IBM Notes
How do I Become a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?
What education is needed to be a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender might also be interested in the following careers:
- Segmental Pavers
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
- Log Graders and Scalers
- Hoist and Winch Operators
References:
Image Credit: NASA via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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