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The differences between process plant operators 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 process plant operator, becoming a chemical operator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a process plant operator has an average salary of $41,902, which is higher than the $40,526 average annual salary of a chemical operator.
The top three skills for a process plant operator include plant operations, plant process and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a chemical operator are safety procedures, math, and process equipment.
| Process Plant Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $41,902 | $40,526 |
| Hourly rate | $20.15 | $19.48 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 61,085 | 36,522 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.
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.
Process plant operators and chemical operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Plant Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average salary | $41,902 | $40,526 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $62,000 | 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 process plant operator and a chemical operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Plant Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between process plant operators' and chemical operators' demographics:
| Process Plant Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 11% | 11% |