How much does a chemical plant worker make?
Answer: A typical chemical plant worker in the United States makes $78,120 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 17,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Chemical plant worker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,400 | $78,120 | $111,930 | about 17,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $102,750 | about 2,000 |
| Louisiana | $100,060 | about 3,000 |
| California | $87,550 | about 780 |
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | about 570 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | about 770 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and useful skills, the employer and industry, location, and how complex the process duties are. Extra hours may add to total pay; BLS wage estimates leave out overtime and shift premiums.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a chemical plant worker do?
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
What's a typical day like?
They scan gauges, lights, and alarms at control panels, then patrol tanks and pumps for trouble. They take product samples, adjust settings to keep reactions and quality on track, and record results or call maintenance.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED; classes or an associate degree in chemical technology can help. New workers usually learn beside experienced operators for up to a year, and a registered apprenticeship is another route.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some operators watch chemical reactions through a sight glass—or on a TV monitor—and check lab reports to decide how to adjust the process.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-8091.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes518091.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-8091.00
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100035?parentId=111300&s
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY