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Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary in California

How much does a Chemical Plant and System Operators make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$88,280
Median Annual Salary
$88,770
Mean Salary
$88,280
Median Salary
$42.44
Hourly Rate
590 people work as Chemical Plant and System Operators in California

About This Job: Chemical Plant and System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
4.12
Operation and Control
4.0
Monitoring
3.62
Quality Control Analysis
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing
3.7
Chemistry
3.69
Mechanical
3.62
English Language
3.51
Public Safety and Security
3.34
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (1.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Chemical Plant and System Operators in California

Salaries for Chemical Plant and System Operators in California range from $73,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $108,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $75,860 and $108,360.

Median $88,280
P10: $73,070 P25: $75,860 P75: $108,360 P90: $108,420
10th
$73,070
25th
$75,860
Median
$88,280
75th
$108,360
90th
$108,420
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $73,070 $35.13 $6,089
25th Percentile $75,860 $36.47 $6,321
Median (50th) $88,280 $42.44 $7,356
75th Percentile $108,360 $52.10 $9,030
90th Percentile (Experienced) $108,420 $52.12 $9,035

Note: The mean (average) salary of $88,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Chemical Plant and System Operators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary by State

Compare Chemical Plant and System Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

North Dakota $112,970 Wyoming $104,420 Texas $99,250 Kentucky $98,890 Louisiana $96,500 Maryland $92,930 New Jersey $88,550 Alabama $84,490 Pennsylvania $75,660 Florida $68,640

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemical Plant and System Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in California is $88,280 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $88,770.
What is the salary range for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in California?
Salaries for Chemical Plant and System Operators in California range from $73,070 at the 10th percentile to $108,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $75,860 and $108,360.
What is the starting salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in California?
Entry-level Chemical Plant and System Operators positions in California typically start around $73,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $75,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chemical Plant and System Operators in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 590 people are employed as Chemical Plant and System Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in California is approximately $42.44 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS