Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Chemical Plant and System Operators
SOC: 51-8091 O*NET: 51-8091.00
Median Salary
$73,540
per year
Job Growth
📉 -6.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$44,124
25th
$58,832
50th (Median)
$73,540
75th
$88,248
90th
$110,310
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:18,100
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-6.1%
Annual Openings:1,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)18,100
Current
2034 (Projected)17,000
-6.1%
-1,100
Employment Change
-6.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
Top Skills
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Chemistry
✓
Mechanical
✓
English Language
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year