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Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chemical Plant and System Operators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$87,550
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.8% vs 2024
$91,260
Mean Salary
$87,550
Median Salary
$42.09
Hourly Rate
780 people work as Chemical Plant and System Operators in California
Chemical Plant and System Operators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chemical Plant and System Operators in California earn a median salary of $87,550 per year ($7,295/month).
This is 16.2% above the national average of $75,369.
California ranks #9 out of 35 states for Chemical Plant and System Operators pay.
Approximately 780 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.8% compared to 2024.
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)
Salary Range: Chemical Plant and System Operators in California
Salaries for Chemical Plant and System Operators in California range from $73,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $111,930 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $81,210 and $103,060.
How much do Chemical Plant and System Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for Chemical Plant and System Operators in California is $87,550 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $91,260.
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 $73,900 at the 10th percentile to $111,930 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $81,210 and $103,060.
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 $73,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $81,210 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chemical Plant and System Operators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 780 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 $42.09 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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