National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$68,519
Average (Mean)
$68,916
Employed Nationwide
16,800
VS
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Median Salary
$67,614
Average (Mean)
$67,908
Employed Nationwide
33,790
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $904 more (1.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,519
$67,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,916
$67,908
Total Employment
16,800
33,790
States with Higher Pay
15
19
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 15 states; Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 19.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $83,170 | $50,550 | +$32,620 | ||
| Arkansas | $43,540 | $53,270 | $-9,730 | ||
| California | $103,300 | $58,120 | +$45,180 | ||
| Colorado | $61,550 | $74,400 | $-12,850 | ||
| Florida | $65,970 | $68,420 | $-2,450 | ||
| Georgia | $51,330 | $64,530 | $-13,200 | ||
| Illinois | $65,040 | $106,790 | $-41,750 | ||
| Indiana | $44,770 | $65,500 | $-20,730 | ||
| Iowa | $58,730 | $62,080 | $-3,350 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,120 | $47,830 | +$47,290 | ||
| Maryland | $84,620 | $79,890 | +$4,730 | ||
| Massachusetts | $59,830 | $73,140 | $-13,310 | ||
| Michigan | $71,420 | $77,230 | $-5,810 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,870 | $68,750 | $-3,880 | ||
| Mississippi | $67,370 | $56,470 | +$10,900 | ||
| Missouri | $69,030 | $62,040 | +$6,990 | ||
| Montana | $68,320 | $71,350 | $-3,030 | ||
| New Jersey | $106,530 | $69,150 | +$37,380 | ||
| New York | $53,890 | $85,490 | $-31,600 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,350 | $55,500 | $-2,150 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,090 | $64,670 | +$42,420 | ||
| Ohio | $66,750 | $65,040 | +$1,710 | ||
| Oregon | $63,610 | $60,690 | +$2,920 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,260 | $68,570 | $-7,310 | ||
| South Carolina | $63,150 | $52,120 | +$11,030 | ||
| South Dakota | $54,700 | $63,390 | $-8,690 | ||
| Tennessee | $64,690 | $62,420 | +$2,270 | ||
| Texas | $104,620 | $56,250 | +$48,370 | ||
| Utah | $50,650 | $66,270 | $-15,620 | ||
| Virginia | $35,070 | $55,230 | $-20,160 | ||
| Washington | $72,110 | $81,760 | $-9,650 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,580 | $49,500 | +$1,080 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,610 | $58,140 | +$6,470 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,010 | $103,220 | $-4,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
On average across all states, a Chemical Plant and System Operators earns more than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators. The national median salary difference is $904 (1.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in 15 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $68,519 per year, compared to $67,614 for a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
There are more people employed as Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators. BLS reports approximately 16,800 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 33,790 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Stationary Engineers and Boiler 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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