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What is a chemical operator and how to become one
A chemical operator is an expert who is responsible for the production of materials and products in a chemical plant. As a chemical operator, you will need to store, mix, and monitor chemicals used for production. You are also to record necessary information such as temperature and ingredients and input them into the database. Occasionally, you will have to work together with other experts to complete the production of materials. You are also expected to perform field operations like gathering samples, taking readings, and packaging finished products. Also, you need to regularly inspect machinery for any defects and perform repairs immediately.
You need just a high school diploma or experience in a related field to get a job as a chemical operator. Also, you need to have adequate writing and communication skills and a strong desire to work with team members. The average yearly salary of a chemical operator is $35,655 or $17.14 an hour.
Avg. Salary $40,526
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 4.35%
Black or African American 10.73%
Hispanic or Latino 19.35%
Unknown 4.75%
White 60.01%
Genderfemale 8.93%
male 91.07%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Chemical operator career paths
Key steps to become a chemical operator
Explore chemical operator education requirements
Start to develop specific chemical operator skills
Skills Percentages Safety Procedures 8.12% Math 5.46% Process Equipment 4.87% Basic Math 4.47% Minor Maintenance 4.41% Complete relevant chemical operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New chemical operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a chemical operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real chemical operator resumes.Research chemical operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage multiple large volume fermentation tanks simultaneously.
- Add dye to chemical to be mix.
- Mix chemicals together to make a base for dye.
- License by the NRC for operation of facility reactor.
Prepare your chemical operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your chemical operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a chemical operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable chemical operator resume templates
Build a professional chemical operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your chemical operator resume.
Apply for chemical operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a chemical operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first chemical operator job
Are you a chemical operator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average chemical operator salary
The average chemical operator salary in the United States is $40,526 per year or $19 per hour. Chemical operator salaries range between $31,000 and $51,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do chemical operators rate their job?
Chemical operator reviews
i am not doing job right now but i want to search about this because i have an interview
i dont know but i have an interview to give so thats why i am searching
It's not physical demanding but more of a “great amount of knowledge” required type of job. If you're passionate about it, you'll try to be the best operator you can be which is challenging. That's the fun part. Pay for decent to large scale companies range approximately $35-$43 per hour, tons of overtime available and bonuses.
Shift work
Updated January 8, 2025
