Post job

What is a distillation operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a distillation operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.16 an hour? That's $39,855 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDistillation OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,855

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.8

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%

Asian 4.31%

Black or African American 9.63%

Hispanic or Latino 21.13%

Unknown 4.75%

White 59.37%

Gender

female 6.76%

male 93.24%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a distillation operator

  1. Explore distillation operator education requirements

    Most common distillation operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    25.8 %

    Associate

    22.6 %

    Certificate

    19.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific distillation operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Distillation62.98%
    Hazardous Waste10.76%
    Process Equipment7.05%
    GC4.36%
    RAN4.28%
  3. Complete relevant distillation operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distillation operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distillation operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distillation operator resumes.
  4. Research distillation operator duties and responsibilities

    • Help lead the rehabilitation of an idle distillation tower and bring it back to a fully functional operation.
    • Operate a cold gas distillation column converting waste gas into usable material by separating materials and reacting with caustic.
    • Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or to changing operational situations.
    • Perform Lockout/tagout procedures to ensure ADM and contractors safety.
  5. Prepare your distillation operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distillation operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distillation operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable distillation operator resume templates

    Build a professional distillation operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distillation operator resume.
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
    Distillation Operator Resume
  6. Apply for distillation operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a distillation operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first distillation operator job

Zippi

Are you a distillation operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average distillation operator salary

The average distillation operator salary in the United States is $39,855 per year or $19 per hour. Distillation operator salaries range between $26,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average distillation operator salary
$39,855 Yearly
$19.16 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do distillation operators rate their job?

Working as a distillation operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs