National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Median Salary
$68,715
Average (Mean)
$71,283
Employed Nationwide
28,400
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $6,652 more (9.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$68,715
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$71,283
Total Employment
16,160
28,400
States with Higher Pay
16
15
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 16 states; Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers pays more in 15.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $64,590 | +$27,020 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $56,390 | +$35,220 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $82,090 | +$5,460 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $69,570 | $-6,700 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $63,970 | +$64,860 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $61,360 | $-12,130 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $63,560 | +$19,420 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $68,830 | $-3,120 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $63,200 | $-14,090 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $57,780 | +$2,660 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $64,980 | +$32,570 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $65,670 | +$29,480 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $81,670 | +$2,040 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $64,640 | +$7,790 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $74,190 | $-7,690 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $50,190 | +$20,890 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $78,130 | $-22,660 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $70,460 | +$16,360 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $68,730 | $-5,750 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $63,990 | $-1,070 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $60,080 | +$7,500 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $75,150 | +$11,960 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $66,330 | +$3,780 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $69,470 | $-960 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $66,650 | $-6,680 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $69,700 | $-23,870 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $69,550 | +$33,200 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $65,610 | $-2,150 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $74,390 | $-11,390 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $81,420 | $-21,300 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $67,460 | $-4,740 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Plant and System Operators earns more than a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. The national median salary difference is $6,652 (9.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in 16 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $75,368 per year, compared to $68,715 for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
There are more people employed as Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. BLS reports approximately 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 28,400 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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