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.
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
SOC: 51-9011 O*NET: 51-9011.00
Median Salary
$57,090
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,270
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,660
25th percentile
Median
$57,090
50th percentile
Experienced
$71,400
75th percentile
Top Earners
$88,460
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,270
25th
$45,660
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$57,090
Mean: $59,800
75th
$71,400
90th
$88,460
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $51,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,660 and $71,400
- •Salary spread is 45.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 127,410 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:128,900
Top Industries
Manufacturing97.5%
Chemical Manufacturing91.6%
Chemical Manufacturing (3251, 3252, 3253, and 3259 only)51.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.3%
Annual Openings:14,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)128,900
Current
2034 (Projected)133,100
+3.3%
+4,300
Employment Change
+3.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 47 locations
Texas
16,190 jobs$59,9301.42x
New Jersey
8,710 jobs$49,7002.48x
Ohio
7,980 jobs$58,2401.75x
Louisiana
7,920 jobs$77,2505.02x
California
5,830 jobs$57,1500.39x
Indiana
5,450 jobs$58,9002.07x
Pennsylvania
5,420 jobs$50,1701.09x
Michigan
4,910 jobs$49,4501.35x
New York
4,550 jobs$52,3800.58x
Tennessee
4,170 jobs$59,0901.54x
Georgia
4,070 jobs$47,3801.01x
South Carolina
3,710 jobs$56,5801.98x
Kentucky
3,580 jobs$63,3802.17x
Illinois
3,490 jobs$64,2700.70x
Massachusetts
3,200 jobs$49,4201.06x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Production and Processing
100%
#2
Operation and Control
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Operations Monitoring
94%
#5
Chemistry
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Monitoring
86%
#8
Mechanical
86%
#9
Near Vision
82%
#10
Computers and Electronics
80%
Skills Overview
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Chemistry
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Mechanical
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Chemistry
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Power Distributors and Dispatchers100%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators82%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Chemistry
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Mathematics
- →Public Safety and Security
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Chemistry
- ✓Mechanical
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Chemistry
- ★Mechanical
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Operations & Execution (2)Planning & Development (1)
1
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.36
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.31
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.29
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.26
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.96
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.94
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Persistence
3.9
Concern for Others
3.9
Independence
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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Jacksonville, FL
984 program completions/year
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Miami, FL
891 program completions/year
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Lake Charles, LA
870 program completions/year
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Lexington, KY
821 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
781 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
731 program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
695 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
679 program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
601 program completions/year
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