What Does it Take to Be a Chemical Plant or System Operator?
Chemical Plant or System Operator Definition Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
What Do Chemical Plant and System Operators Do On a Daily Basis?
- Direct workers engaged in operating machinery that regulates the flow of materials and products.
- Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals, to verify conformity of process conditions.
- Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
- Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
- Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
- Repair or replace damaged equipment.
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Chemical Plant or System Operator Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Chemical Plant and System Operators 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.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Plant Associate
- Switchboard Operator
- Ammonia Technician
- Process Operator
- Pharmaceutical Operator
Job Opportunities for Chemical Plant and System Operators
There were about 33,200 jobs for Chemical Plant or System Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Chemical Plant or System Operator. There will be an estimated 2,800 positions for Chemical Plant or System Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Chemical Plant or System Operator are South Dakota, North Dakota, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, California, or South Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Chemical Plant or System Operator Salary
The average yearly salary of a Chemical Plant or System Operator ranges between $34,830 and $88,630.
Chemical Plant and System Operators who work in Wyoming, Texas, or Alabama, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemical Plant and System Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,800 |
| Arizona | $60,790 |
| Arkansas | $48,360 |
| California | $58,160 |
| Colorado | $49,320 |
| Delaware | $62,910 |
| Florida | $59,080 |
| Georgia | $52,160 |
| Illinois | $66,700 |
| Indiana | $50,040 |
| Iowa | $60,250 |
| Kansas | $54,240 |
| Kentucky | $60,090 |
| Louisiana | $68,150 |
| Maryland | $58,400 |
| Massachusetts | $55,270 |
| Michigan | $54,840 |
| Minnesota | $51,340 |
| Mississippi | $59,920 |
| Montana | $61,240 |
| Nevada | $52,630 |
| New Jersey | $62,880 |
| New York | $56,400 |
| North Carolina | $50,370 |
| Ohio | $60,820 |
| Oregon | $57,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,170 |
| Rhode Island | $48,310 |
| South Carolina | $54,470 |
| South Dakota | $48,140 |
| Texas | $69,010 |
| Utah | $57,500 |
| Virginia | $51,040 |
| Washington | $52,690 |
| West Virginia | $63,980 |
| Wisconsin | $56,770 |
| Wyoming | $72,950 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Chemical Plant and System Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemical Plant and System Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Distributed control system DCS
- Interlock shutdown systems
Becoming a Chemical Plant or System Operator
Learn what Chemical Plant or System Operator education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Chemical Plant or System Operator?
Chemical Plant and System Operators Sector
Chemical Plant and System Operators work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Chemical Plant or System Operator may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Chemical Plant or System Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
References:
Image Credit: NASA via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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