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The differences between chemical operators and washer 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 washer operator. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $31,789 average annual salary of a washer operator.
The top three skills for a chemical operator include safety procedures, math and process equipment. The most important skills for a washer operator are safety standards, dryers, and car wash.
| Chemical Operator | Washer Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $40,526 | $31,789 |
| Hourly rate | $19.48 | $15.28 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 36,522 | 75,715 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 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.
A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.
Chemical operators and washer operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Operator | Washer Operator | |
| Average salary | $40,526 | $31,789 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $25,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Belvidere, IL |
| Highest paying state | New York | Illinois |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a chemical operator and a washer operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Operator | Washer Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between chemical operators' and washer operators' demographics:
| Chemical Operator | Washer Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |