National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Median Salary
$73,917
Average (Mean)
$74,591
Employed Nationwide
28,260
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $1,451 more (2.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$73,917
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$74,591
Total Employment
16,160
28,260
States with Higher Pay
15
20
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Showing 35 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 20.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $53,470 | +$38,140 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $58,000 | +$33,610 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $90,650 | $-3,100 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $81,310 | $-18,440 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $65,040 | +$63,790 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $70,640 | $-21,410 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $64,460 | +$18,520 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $115,780 | $-50,070 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $67,560 | $-18,450 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $67,450 | $-7,010 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $66,770 | +$30,780 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $47,750 | +$52,310 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $85,240 | +$9,910 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $80,800 | +$2,910 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $82,800 | $-10,370 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $75,850 | $-9,350 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $53,640 | +$17,440 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $72,620 | $-17,150 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $76,560 | +$10,260 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $74,480 | $-1,870 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $94,070 | $-31,090 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $60,860 | +$2,060 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $75,470 | $-7,890 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $67,630 | +$19,480 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $72,900 | $-2,790 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $72,650 | $-4,140 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $68,090 | $-8,120 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $72,470 | $-26,640 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $63,810 | +$38,940 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $76,490 | $-13,030 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $64,150 | $-1,150 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $91,530 | $-31,410 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $53,340 | +$28,370 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $61,170 | +$1,550 | ||
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $111,920 | $-4,110 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $1,451 (2.0%) based on 2025 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 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 20 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 $75,368 per year, compared to $73,917 for a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, according to 2025 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 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 28,260 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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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