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The differences between refinery 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 refinery operator, becoming a chemical operator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a refinery operator has an average salary of $47,058, which is higher than the $40,526 average annual salary of a chemical operator.
The top three skills for a refinery operator include safety procedures, ladders and product quality. The most important skills for a chemical operator are safety procedures, math, and process equipment.
| Refinery Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $47,058 | $40,526 |
| Hourly rate | $22.62 | $19.48 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 34,423 | 36,522 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 29% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Refinery operators oversee the entire production process of the plant operation. Responsibilities for this position are as diverse as the required knowledge fields, including identifying and correcting refinery process issues, operating equipment, monitoring meters and gauges, and meeting set area production goals. It necessitates many knowledge requirements, including, but not at all limited to product quality, control room operations, safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and process conditions.
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.
Refinery operators and chemical operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Refinery Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average salary | $47,058 | $40,526 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $73,000 | 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 refinery operator and a chemical operator in terms of educational background:
| Refinery Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 29% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between refinery operators' and chemical operators' demographics:
| Refinery Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.7% 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% |