National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$68,519
Average (Mean)
$68,916
Employed Nationwide
16,800
VS
Plant and System Operators, All Other
Median Salary
$60,510
Average (Mean)
$62,257
Employed Nationwide
15,160
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $8,008 more (13.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,519
$60,510
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,916
$62,257
Total Employment
16,800
15,160
States with Higher Pay
20
12
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Plant and System Operators, All Other
Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 20 states; Plant and System Operators, All Other pays more in 12.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Plant and System Operators, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $83,170 | $64,760 | +$18,410 | ||
| Arkansas | $43,540 | $49,210 | $-5,670 | ||
| California | $103,300 | $69,350 | +$33,950 | ||
| Colorado | $61,550 | $63,950 | $-2,400 | ||
| Florida | $65,970 | $53,000 | +$12,970 | ||
| Georgia | $51,330 | $49,920 | +$1,410 | ||
| Illinois | $65,040 | $58,190 | +$6,850 | ||
| Indiana | $44,770 | $57,580 | $-12,810 | ||
| Iowa | $58,730 | $52,590 | +$6,140 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,120 | $61,190 | +$33,930 | ||
| Maryland | $84,620 | $75,670 | +$8,950 | ||
| Michigan | $71,420 | $59,400 | +$12,020 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,870 | $69,070 | $-4,200 | ||
| Mississippi | $67,370 | $60,120 | +$7,250 | ||
| Missouri | $69,030 | $65,150 | +$3,880 | ||
| Montana | $68,320 | $75,030 | $-6,710 | ||
| New Jersey | $106,530 | $72,590 | +$33,940 | ||
| New York | $53,890 | $68,900 | $-15,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,350 | $59,070 | $-5,720 | ||
| Ohio | $66,750 | $51,360 | +$15,390 | ||
| Oregon | $63,610 | $52,100 | +$11,510 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,260 | $57,300 | +$3,960 | ||
| South Carolina | $63,150 | $51,560 | +$11,590 | ||
| South Dakota | $54,700 | $61,850 | $-7,150 | ||
| Tennessee | $64,690 | $52,340 | +$12,350 | ||
| Texas | $104,620 | $43,990 | +$60,630 | ||
| Utah | $50,650 | $59,040 | $-8,390 | ||
| Virginia | $35,070 | $62,230 | $-27,160 | ||
| Washington | $72,110 | $77,310 | $-5,200 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,580 | $57,820 | $-7,240 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,610 | $50,840 | +$13,770 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,010 | $38,000 | +$61,010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Plant and System Operators, All Other?
On average across all states, a Chemical Plant and System Operators earns more than a Plant and System Operators, All Other. The national median salary difference is $8,008 (13.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Plant and System Operators, All Other?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Plant and System Operators, All Other in 20 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Plant and System Operators, All Other pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Plant and System Operators, All Other?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $68,519 per year, compared to $60,510 for a Plant and System Operators, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Plant and System Operators, All Other?
There are more people employed as Chemical Plant and System Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,800 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 15,160 Plant and System Operators, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Plant and System Operators, All Other?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Plant and System Operators, All Other 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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