National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$68,519
Average (Mean)
$68,916
Employed Nationwide
16,800
VS
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Median Salary
$84,461
Average (Mean)
$83,376
Employed Nationwide
32,130
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earns $15,942 more (23.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,519
$84,461
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,916
$83,376
Total Employment
16,800
32,130
States with Higher Pay
7
24
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 7 states; Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 24.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $83,170 | $45,120 | +$38,050 | ||
| Arkansas | $43,540 | $73,070 | $-29,530 | ||
| California | $103,300 | $104,410 | $-1,110 | ||
| Colorado | $61,550 | $89,580 | $-28,030 | ||
| Florida | $65,970 | $62,650 | +$3,320 | ||
| Georgia | $51,330 | $81,270 | $-29,940 | ||
| Illinois | $65,040 | $110,790 | $-45,750 | ||
| Indiana | $44,770 | $60,560 | $-15,790 | ||
| Iowa | $58,730 | $88,940 | $-30,210 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,120 | $95,550 | $-430 | ||
| Maryland | $84,620 | $74,170 | +$10,450 | ||
| Michigan | $71,420 | $83,490 | $-12,070 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,870 | $99,300 | $-34,430 | ||
| Missouri | $69,030 | $96,980 | $-27,950 | ||
| Montana | $68,320 | $106,880 | $-38,560 | ||
| New Jersey | $106,530 | $96,420 | +$10,110 | ||
| New York | $53,890 | $64,470 | $-10,580 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,350 | $68,040 | $-14,690 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,090 | $96,540 | +$10,550 | ||
| Ohio | $66,750 | $100,630 | $-33,880 | ||
| Oregon | $63,610 | $97,740 | $-34,130 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,260 | $79,730 | $-18,470 | ||
| South Carolina | $63,150 | $78,520 | $-15,370 | ||
| Tennessee | $64,690 | $77,650 | $-12,960 | ||
| Texas | $104,620 | $93,750 | +$10,870 | ||
| Utah | $50,650 | $94,290 | $-43,640 | ||
| Virginia | $35,070 | $64,060 | $-28,990 | ||
| Washington | $72,110 | $92,150 | $-20,040 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,580 | $72,900 | $-22,320 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,610 | $80,180 | $-15,570 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,010 | $95,080 | +$3,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earns more than a Chemical Plant and System Operators. The national median salary difference is $15,942 (23.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in 7 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 24 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $68,519 per year, compared to $84,461 for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. BLS reports approximately 16,800 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 32,130 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 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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