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The differences between chemical processors and chemical operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a chemical processor, becoming a chemical operator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, which is higher than the $37,953 average annual salary of a chemical processor.
The top three skills for a chemical processor include hazardous materials, safety procedures and OSHA. The most important skills for a chemical operator are safety procedures, math, and process equipment.
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,953 | $40,526 |
| Hourly rate | $18.25 | $19.48 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 8,357 | 36,522 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Chemical processors are the workers who prepare a variety of chemicals for manufacturing and production. The processors operate and monitor the equipment that controls the chemical reactions when processing consumer or industrial products. They ensure that the work performed in the operations meets the work quality standards and that all materials and equipment follow the specifications when used. Also, they must have the ability to read and understand blueprints to make sure that every part of their equipment is in excellent condition before use.
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.
Chemical processors and chemical operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,953 | $40,526 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $50,000 | Between $31,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Westinghouse Appliances Australia |
| Best paying industry | - | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemical processor and a chemical operator in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between chemical processors' and chemical operators' demographics:
| Chemical Processor | Chemical Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 8.3% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |