National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$68,519
Average (Mean)
$68,916
Employed Nationwide
16,800
VS
Gas Plant Operators earns $14,987 more (21.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,519
$83,507
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,916
$82,042
Total Employment
16,800
14,960
States with Higher Pay
8
23
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Gas Plant Operators
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 8 states; Gas Plant Operators pays more in 23.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Gas Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $83,170 | $65,190 | +$17,980 | ||
| Arkansas | $43,540 | $79,440 | $-35,900 | ||
| California | $103,300 | $116,400 | $-13,100 | ||
| Colorado | $61,550 | $86,820 | $-25,270 | ||
| Florida | $65,970 | $65,240 | +$730 | ||
| Illinois | $65,040 | $82,780 | $-17,740 | ||
| Indiana | $44,770 | $62,510 | $-17,740 | ||
| Iowa | $58,730 | $82,800 | $-24,070 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,120 | $96,800 | $-1,680 | ||
| Maryland | $84,620 | $80,930 | +$3,690 | ||
| Michigan | $71,420 | $95,830 | $-24,410 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,870 | $99,150 | $-34,280 | ||
| Mississippi | $67,370 | $77,010 | $-9,640 | ||
| Missouri | $69,030 | $84,880 | $-15,850 | ||
| Montana | $68,320 | $85,010 | $-16,690 | ||
| New Jersey | $106,530 | $101,580 | +$4,950 | ||
| New York | $53,890 | $78,380 | $-24,490 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,350 | $69,070 | $-15,720 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,090 | $107,260 | $-170 | ||
| Ohio | $66,750 | $55,740 | +$11,010 | ||
| Oregon | $63,610 | $91,300 | $-27,690 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,260 | $78,160 | $-16,900 | ||
| South Carolina | $63,150 | $76,990 | $-13,840 | ||
| Tennessee | $64,690 | $63,530 | +$1,160 | ||
| Texas | $104,620 | $88,510 | +$16,110 | ||
| Utah | $50,650 | $86,520 | $-35,870 | ||
| Virginia | $35,070 | $83,380 | $-48,310 | ||
| Washington | $72,110 | $100,480 | $-28,370 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,580 | $75,700 | $-25,120 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,610 | $82,880 | $-18,270 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,010 | $84,650 | +$14,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Gas Plant Operators?
On average across all states, a Gas Plant Operators earns more than a Chemical Plant and System Operators. The national median salary difference is $14,987 (21.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Gas Plant Operators?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Gas Plant Operators in 8 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Gas Plant Operators pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Gas Plant Operators?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $68,519 per year, compared to $83,507 for a Gas Plant Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Gas Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Chemical Plant and System Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,800 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 14,960 Gas Plant Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Gas Plant Operators?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Gas Plant Operators 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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