Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between chemical operators and manufacturing 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 manufacturing operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Chemical Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| 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 manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Chemical operators and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | New York | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 6% |