Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between chemical operators and boiler operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a chemical operator, becoming a boiler operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a boiler operator has an average salary of $49,782, which is higher than the $40,526 average annual salary of a chemical operator.
The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.
| Chemical Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $49,782 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $23.93 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 32,715 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A chemical operator is responsible for maintaining heavy machines and equipment for chemical processing operations. Chemical operators inspect machinery for any malfunctions, perform immediate repairs, and replace defective components as needed to ensure the equipment's safety and efficiency. They carefully handle chemicals, observe the mixing process, and support process development by assisting on strategic procedures to maximize productivity and plan initiatives. A chemical operator must adhere to the safety protocols of the production, especially on storing chemicals, recording information to the database, and operating machines.
A boiler operator specializes in the maintenance and repair of boiler machines and similar facilities in industrial establishments such as warehouses, power plants, and factories. As a boiler operator, it is their responsibility to monitor and operate systems and equipment, perform adjustments, observe factors such as temperature and pressure, write daily records, and replace equipment parts as needed. They may also maintain the cleanliness of areas, keeping supplies organized at all times. Furthermore, a boiler operator must conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Chemical operators and boiler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $49,782 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $35,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Ithaca, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Southeastern Med |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a boiler operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and boiler operators' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |