Chemical operator vs distillation operator

The differences between chemical operators and distillation operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a chemical operator and a distillation operator. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $39,855 average annual salary of a distillation operator.

The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for a distillation operator are distillation, hazardous waste, and process equipment.

Chemical operator vs distillation operator overview

	Chemical Operator	Distillation Operator
Yearly salary	$40,526	$39,855
Hourly rate	$19.48	$19.16
Growth rate	4%	7%
Number of jobs	36,522	30,452
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 26%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

Chemical operator vs distillation operator salary

Chemical operators and distillation operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Chemical Operator	Distillation Operator
Average salary	$40,526	$39,855
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $51,000	Between $26,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	Westinghouse Appliances Australia	-
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	-

Differences between chemical operator and distillation operator education

There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a distillation operator in terms of educational background:

	Chemical Operator	Distillation Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 26%
Most common major	Business	Graphic Design
Most common college	Stanford University	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Chemical operator vs distillation operator demographics

Here are the differences between chemical operators' and distillation operators' demographics:

	Chemical Operator	Distillation Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%	Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between chemical operator and distillation operator duties and responsibilities

Chemical operator example 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.
Provide the QC lab with batch samples as instructed by formula cards for quality disposition.
Use Hmi's to control the product being make and sending it to storage tanks.

Distillation operator example responsibilities.

Help lead the rehabilitation of an idle distillation tower and bring it back to a fully functional operation.
Operate a cold gas distillation column converting waste gas into usable material by separating materials and reacting with caustic.
Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or to changing operational situations.
Perform Lockout/tagout procedures to ensure ADM and contractors safety.
Conduct rig movements during drilling operations.

Chemical operator vs distillation operator skills

Common chemical operator skills

Safety Procedures, 8%
Math, 5%
Process Equipment, 5%
Basic Math, 4%
Minor Maintenance, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

Common distillation operator skills

Distillation, 63%
Hazardous Waste, 11%
Process Equipment, 7%
GC, 4%
RAN, 4%
PLC, 4%

Chemical Operator vs. similar jobs

Chemical Operator related careers

Chemical Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Chemical Operator
Chemical Operator vs Distillation Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs