How much does a chemical plant worker make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical chemical plant worker in the United States makes $78,120 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,400 and $111,930How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Texas ($102,750), lowest in North Carolina ($62,920).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
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