National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Median Salary
$84,922
Average (Mean)
$85,202
Employed Nationwide
32,610
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earns $9,554 more (12.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$84,922
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$85,202
Total Employment
16,160
32,610
States with Higher Pay
9
22
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 9 states; Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 22.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $73,510 | +$18,100 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $86,580 | +$5,030 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $103,250 | $-15,700 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $93,750 | $-30,880 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $63,480 | +$65,350 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $57,180 | $-7,950 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $102,890 | $-37,180 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $67,420 | $-18,310 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $90,160 | $-29,720 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $78,670 | +$18,880 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $106,640 | $-6,580 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $78,580 | +$16,570 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $84,030 | $-11,600 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $101,910 | $-35,410 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $75,180 | $-4,100 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $80,960 | $-25,490 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $104,540 | $-17,720 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $74,340 | $-1,730 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $88,880 | $-25,900 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $80,060 | $-17,140 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $105,150 | $-37,570 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $83,870 | $-13,760 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $58,160 | +$10,350 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $96,730 | $-50,900 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $84,100 | +$18,650 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $105,980 | $-42,520 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $58,970 | +$4,030 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $103,620 | $-43,500 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $83,910 | $-2,200 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $71,450 | $-8,730 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $100,350 | +$7,460 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $9,554 (12.7%) based on 2025 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 9 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 22 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 $75,368 per year, compared to $84,922 for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers, according to 2025 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 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 32,610 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions nationwide (2025).
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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