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The differences between chemical operators and chemical technicians 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 chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a chemical technician has an average salary of $42,584, 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 chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Chemical Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| 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 chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Chemical operators and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | New York | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |