National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Median Salary
$74,383
Average (Mean)
$77,906
Employed Nationwide
673,440
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $984 more (1.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$74,383
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$77,906
Total Employment
16,160
673,440
States with Higher Pay
17
18
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Showing 35 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 18.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $73,060 | +$18,550 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $63,090 | +$28,520 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $76,840 | +$10,710 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $78,890 | $-16,020 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $63,950 | +$64,880 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $69,170 | $-19,940 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $70,890 | +$12,090 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $75,200 | $-9,490 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $73,950 | $-24,840 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $74,750 | $-14,310 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $72,490 | +$25,060 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $77,520 | +$22,540 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $78,520 | +$16,630 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $79,920 | +$3,790 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $72,170 | +$260 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $78,550 | $-12,050 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $68,720 | +$2,360 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $73,210 | $-17,740 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $81,110 | +$5,710 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $64,640 | +$7,970 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $78,580 | $-15,600 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $69,640 | $-6,720 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $72,160 | $-4,580 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $73,580 | +$13,530 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $74,990 | $-4,880 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $77,500 | $-8,990 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $73,040 | $-13,070 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $65,310 | $-19,480 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $70,140 | +$32,610 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $71,220 | $-7,760 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $74,150 | $-11,150 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $79,310 | $-19,190 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $68,990 | +$12,720 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $74,840 | $-12,120 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $90,390 | +$17,420 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 Chemical Plant and System Operators earns more than a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. The national median salary difference is $984 (1.3%) based on 2025 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 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pays more in 18 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 $75,368 per year, compared to $74,383 for a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, according to 2025 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 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 673,440 First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers positions nationwide (2025).
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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