National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $25,805 more (34.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$101,174
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$99,621
Total Employment
16,160
28,530
States with Higher Pay
4
30
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power Plant Operators
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 4 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 30.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Power Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $107,080 | $-15,470 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $97,760 | $-6,150 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $105,210 | $-17,660 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $102,780 | $-39,910 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $94,290 | +$34,540 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $107,580 | $-58,350 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $124,440 | $-41,460 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $104,440 | $-38,730 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $107,000 | $-57,890 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $100,500 | $-40,060 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $93,400 | +$4,150 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $101,170 | $-1,110 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $111,260 | $-16,110 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $100,140 | $-16,430 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $105,820 | $-33,390 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $94,390 | $-27,890 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $102,400 | $-31,320 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $101,900 | $-46,430 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $131,370 | $-44,550 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $105,510 | $-32,900 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $106,990 | $-44,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $108,300 | $-45,380 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $104,160 | $-36,580 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $109,830 | $-22,720 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $95,800 | $-25,690 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $79,900 | $-11,390 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $115,920 | $-70,090 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $102,510 | +$240 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $107,120 | $-43,660 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $73,640 | $-10,640 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $131,620 | $-71,500 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $97,210 | $-15,500 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $66,080 | $-3,360 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $99,200 | +$8,610 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power 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 Power Plant Operators?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Chemical Plant and System Operators. The national median salary difference is $25,805 (34.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Power Plant Operators?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Power Plant Operators in 4 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 30 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Power Plant Operators?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $75,368 per year, compared to $101,174 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Power Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Power Plant Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Power Plant Operators?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Power 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.
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