Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between chemical operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Chemical Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | 4% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
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.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Chemical operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | New York | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | BD |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |