National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Gas Plant Operators earns $15,057 more (20.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$90,426
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$88,880
Total Employment
16,160
16,840
States with Higher Pay
7
28
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Gas Plant Operators
Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 7 states; Gas Plant Operators pays more in 28.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Gas Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $77,120 | +$14,490 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $100,870 | $-9,260 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $130,220 | $-42,670 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $98,080 | $-35,210 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $67,170 | +$61,660 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $81,220 | $-31,990 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $79,280 | +$3,700 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $97,810 | $-32,100 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $85,790 | $-36,680 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $92,970 | $-32,530 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $63,070 | +$34,480 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $108,350 | $-8,290 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $102,950 | $-7,800 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $103,830 | $-20,120 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $100,500 | $-28,070 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $100,500 | $-34,000 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $81,600 | $-10,520 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $87,820 | $-32,350 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $110,900 | $-24,080 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $97,660 | $-25,050 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $98,390 | $-35,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $81,460 | $-18,540 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $82,130 | $-14,550 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $109,760 | $-22,650 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $80,810 | $-10,700 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $67,580 | +$930 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $101,450 | $-41,480 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $66,560 | $-20,730 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $79,910 | +$22,840 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $98,300 | $-34,840 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $86,500 | $-23,500 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $83,650 | $-23,530 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $82,600 | $-890 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $85,080 | $-22,360 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $81,550 | +$26,260 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Gas Plant Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $15,057 (20.0%) based on 2025 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 7 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Gas Plant Operators pays more in 28 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 $75,368 per year, compared to $90,426 for a Gas Plant Operators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Gas Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Gas Plant Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 16,840 Gas Plant Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.