National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$68,519
Average (Mean)
$68,916
Employed Nationwide
16,800
VS
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Median Salary
$68,595
Average (Mean)
$73,039
Employed Nationwide
671,230
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earns $76 more (0.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,519
$68,595
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,916
$73,039
Total Employment
16,800
671,230
States with Higher Pay
17
17
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 17 states; First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pays more in 17.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $83,170 | $64,740 | +$18,430 | ||
| Arkansas | $43,540 | $60,050 | $-16,510 | ||
| California | $103,300 | $74,310 | +$28,990 | ||
| Colorado | $61,550 | $72,050 | $-10,500 | ||
| Florida | $65,970 | $60,420 | +$5,550 | ||
| Georgia | $51,330 | $64,480 | $-13,150 | ||
| Illinois | $65,040 | $64,120 | +$920 | ||
| Indiana | $44,770 | $64,380 | $-19,610 | ||
| Iowa | $58,730 | $65,100 | $-6,370 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,120 | $75,700 | +$19,420 | ||
| Maryland | $84,620 | $71,930 | +$12,690 | ||
| Massachusetts | $59,830 | $75,140 | $-15,310 | ||
| Michigan | $71,420 | $64,110 | +$7,310 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,870 | $74,020 | $-9,150 | ||
| Mississippi | $67,370 | $63,340 | +$4,030 | ||
| Missouri | $69,030 | $63,380 | +$5,650 | ||
| Montana | $68,320 | $61,360 | +$6,960 | ||
| New Jersey | $106,530 | $76,730 | +$29,800 | ||
| New York | $53,890 | $75,930 | $-22,040 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,350 | $63,560 | $-10,210 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,090 | $73,560 | +$33,530 | ||
| Ohio | $66,750 | $63,480 | +$3,270 | ||
| Oregon | $63,610 | $63,450 | +$160 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,260 | $69,110 | $-7,850 | ||
| South Carolina | $63,150 | $70,320 | $-7,170 | ||
| South Dakota | $54,700 | $66,000 | $-11,300 | ||
| Tennessee | $64,690 | $61,650 | +$3,040 | ||
| Texas | $104,620 | $62,510 | +$42,110 | ||
| Utah | $50,650 | $64,470 | $-13,820 | ||
| Virginia | $35,070 | $68,770 | $-33,700 | ||
| Washington | $72,110 | $74,860 | $-2,750 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,580 | $62,320 | $-11,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,610 | $66,510 | $-1,900 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,010 | $90,110 | +$8,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
On average across all states, a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earns more than a Chemical Plant and System Operators. The national median salary difference is $76 (0.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers in 17 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $68,519 per year, compared to $68,595 for a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
There are more people employed as First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. BLS reports approximately 16,800 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 671,230 First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 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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