National Salary Overview
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Median Salary
$75,368
Average (Mean)
$74,877
Employed Nationwide
16,160
VS
Chemical Plant and System Operators earns $10,036 more (15.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$75,368
$65,332
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,877
$65,923
Total Employment
16,160
56,900
States with Higher Pay
23
11
Salary by State: Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Tool and Die Makers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Plant and System Operators pays more in 23 states; Tool and Die Makers pays more in 11.
| State | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Tool and Die Makers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $91,610 | $64,800 | +$26,810 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $56,840 | +$34,770 | ||
| California | $87,550 | $77,030 | +$10,520 | ||
| Colorado | $62,870 | $63,800 | $-930 | ||
| Florida | $128,830 | $63,890 | +$64,940 | ||
| Georgia | $49,230 | $60,020 | $-10,790 | ||
| Idaho | $82,980 | $57,800 | +$25,180 | ||
| Illinois | $65,710 | $61,170 | +$4,540 | ||
| Indiana | $49,110 | $68,050 | $-18,940 | ||
| Iowa | $60,440 | $65,000 | $-4,560 | ||
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $66,570 | +$30,980 | ||
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $46,950 | +$53,110 | ||
| Maryland | $95,150 | $58,110 | +$37,040 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $67,230 | +$16,480 | ||
| Michigan | $72,430 | $65,590 | +$6,840 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $71,020 | $-4,520 | ||
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $57,980 | +$13,100 | ||
| Missouri | $55,470 | $60,810 | $-5,340 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $74,460 | +$12,360 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $47,960 | +$24,650 | ||
| New York | $62,980 | $68,080 | $-5,100 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $61,060 | +$1,860 | ||
| Ohio | $67,580 | $62,280 | +$5,300 | ||
| Oregon | $87,110 | $73,930 | +$13,180 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $61,160 | +$8,950 | ||
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $65,250 | +$3,260 | ||
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $59,770 | +$200 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $60,760 | $-14,930 | ||
| Texas | $102,750 | $55,470 | +$47,280 | ||
| Utah | $63,460 | $56,740 | +$6,720 | ||
| Virginia | $63,000 | $64,050 | $-1,050 | ||
| Washington | $60,120 | $109,390 | $-49,270 | ||
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $46,190 | +$35,520 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $68,120 | $-5,400 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Tool and Die Makers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Plant and System Operators earns more than a Tool and Die Makers. The national median salary difference is $10,036 (15.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Plant and System Operators earn more than a Tool and Die Makers?
A Chemical Plant and System Operators earns a higher median salary than a Tool and Die Makers in 23 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Tool and Die Makers pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators vs Tool and Die Makers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators is $75,368 per year, compared to $65,332 for a Tool and Die Makers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Plant and System Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
There are more people employed as Tool and Die Makers. BLS reports approximately 16,160 Chemical Plant and System Operators positions and 56,900 Tool and Die Makers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chemical Plant and System Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
Both Chemical Plant and System Operators and Tool and Die Makers 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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