Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a process plant operator and how to become one
This personnel makes it possible for manufacturing plants to deliver their products on time and with quality. The process plant operator is responsible for overseeing and managing the processes involved with the production. To achieve this, they program and monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety. They keep a detailed record of all production operations and ensure that the production processes meet all specifications. They go as far as performing laboratory analyses and quality control analyses.
The salary of a process plant operator ranges from $29,674 to $44,583, with an average gross salary of $35,920. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related area is enough to get you the position. However, you must have the ability to carry out mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting. You must possess analytical, computer, and communication skills. You must also be able to work a flexible schedule.
Avg. Salary $41,902
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 4.29%
Black or African American 9.83%
Hispanic or Latino 20.55%
Unknown 4.74%
White 59.78%
Genderfemale 18.27%
male 81.73%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Process plant operator career paths
Key steps to become a process plant operator
Explore process plant operator education requirements
Start to develop specific process plant operator skills
Skills Percentages Plant Operations 29.57% Plant Process 9.67% Minor Maintenance 9.04% Plant Equipment 7.31% OSHA 6.86% Complete relevant process plant operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New process plant 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 process plant operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real process plant operator resumes.Research process plant operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
- Move to the assembly department building electrical panels, installing electrical panels, installing various electrical devices on new centrifuges.
- Batch SCC, Shotcrete and other loads to client specifications.
Prepare your process plant operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your process plant 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 process plant 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 process plant operator resume templates
Build a professional process plant 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 process plant operator resume.
Apply for process plant operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a process plant operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first process plant operator job
Are you a process plant operator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average process plant operator salary
The average process plant operator salary in the United States is $41,902 per year or $20 per hour. Process plant operator salaries range between $28,000 and $62,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do process plant operators rate their job?
Process plant operator reviews
i am not doing job right now but i want to search about this because i have an interview
i dont know but i have an interview to give so thats why i am searching
It's not physical demanding but more of a “great amount of knowledge” required type of job. If you're passionate about it, you'll try to be the best operator you can be which is challenging. That's the fun part. Pay for decent to large scale companies range approximately $35-$43 per hour, tons of overtime available and bonuses.
Shift work
Updated January 8, 2025
