National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Median Salary
$109,937
Average (Mean)
$108,423
Employed Nationwide
8,000
Power Distributors and Dispatchers earns $34,569 more (45.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$109,937
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$108,423
Total Employment
16,160
8,000
States with Higher Pay
1
31
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 1 states; Power Distributors and Dispatchers pays more in 31.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $114,570 | $-22,960 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $117,370 | $-25,760 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $137,570 | $-50,020 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $101,060 | +$27,770 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $80,560 | $-31,330 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $136,550 | $-53,570 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $101,470 | $-35,760 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $129,080 | $-79,970 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $102,980 | $-42,540 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $105,600 | $-8,050 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $113,660 | $-18,510 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $121,010 | $-37,300 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $116,780 | $-44,350 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $105,630 | $-39,130 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $98,960 | $-27,880 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $105,450 | $-49,980 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $128,220 | $-41,400 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $79,580 | $-6,970 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $139,390 | $-76,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $90,420 | $-27,500 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $100,320 | $-32,740 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $137,490 | $-50,380 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $98,930 | $-28,820 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $91,570 | $-23,060 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $130,270 | $-70,300 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $79,910 | $-34,080 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $102,890 | $-140 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $81,080 | $-18,080 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $144,710 | $-84,590 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $101,960 | $-20,250 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $83,140 | $-20,420 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $120,210 | $-12,400 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power Distributors and Dispatchers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
On average across all states, a Power Distributors and Dispatchers earns more than a Chemical Plant and System Operators. The national median salary difference is $34,569 (45.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Power Distributors and Dispatchers in 1 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Distributors and Dispatchers pays more in 31 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $75,368 per year, compared to $109,937 for a Power Distributors and Dispatchers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
There are more people employed as Chemical Plant and System Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 8,000 Power Distributors and Dispatchers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Power Distributors and Dispatchers 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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