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The differences between chemical operators and 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 an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Chemical Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Chemical operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and operators' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |