Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary in U.S.
Chemical Plant and System Operators in U.S. make a median of $73,540 a year, or about $35.35 an hour. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $108K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $74K get you in U.S.?
About chemical plant and system operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level chemical plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $74K.Top earners bring in $108K or more - a $60K spread from bottom to top.
Chemical Plant and System Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $113K | +54% | 410 |
| Wyoming | $104K | +42% | 320 |
| Texas | $99K | +35% | 2,980 |
| Kentucky | $99K | +34% | 70 |
| Louisiana | $97K | +31% | 3,360 |
| Maryland | $93K | +26% | 320 |
| New Jersey | $89K | +20% | 320 |
| California | $88K | +20% | 590 |
| Alabama | $84K | +15% | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $76K | +3% | 750 |
| Florida | $69K | -7% | 230 |
| West Virginia | $68K | -8% | 230 |
| Michigan | $67K | -9% | 90 |
| Illinois | $67K | -9% | 290 |
| Tennessee | $66K | -10% | 260 |
Track chemical plant and system operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do chemical plant and system operators make in U.S.?
The median is $73,540 a year - that works out to about $35.35 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,000, and experienced chemical plant and system operators can clear $107,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $74K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,010/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 28.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a chemical plant and system operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median chemical plant and system operators salary is worth about $73,540 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do chemical plant and system operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.