Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender Salary in 2026
How Much Do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Make?
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $57,090 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,270 at the 10th percentile to $88,460 at the 90th percentile — a range of $51,190. The highest-paying state is Wyoming at $85,480.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,270 |
| 25th percentile | $45,660 |
| Median (50th) | $57,090 |
| 75th percentile | $71,400 |
| 90th percentile | $88,460 |
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wyomingtop | $85,480 |
| Louisiana | $77,250 |
| Alabama | $72,900 |
| Washington | $65,240 |
| Illinois | $64,270 |
| West Virginia | $63,980 |
| Kentucky | $63,380 |
| Rhode Island | $61,260 |
| Maryland | $61,190 |
| Delaware | $61,070 |
| Texas | $59,930 |
| Tennessee | $59,090 |
| Indiana | $58,900 |
| Ohio | $58,240 |
| Virginia | $57,250 |
| California | $57,150 |
| Mississippi | $57,020 |
| South Carolina | $56,580 |
| Oregon | $55,710 |
| Connecticut | $55,400 |
| Iowa | $55,030 |
| Hawaii | $54,740 |
| Arkansas | $54,410 |
| New Hampshire | $53,890 |
| North Carolina | $53,380 |
| New York | $52,380 |
| Maine | $52,150 |
| New Mexico | $51,680 |
| Colorado | $50,810 |
| Missouri | $50,420 |
| Idaho | $50,330 |
| Minnesota | $50,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,170 |
| New Jersey | $49,700 |
| Nebraska | $49,510 |
| Oklahoma | $49,480 |
| Michigan | $49,450 |
| Massachusetts | $49,420 |
| Kansas | $49,290 |
| Wisconsin | $49,150 |
| Vermont | $48,610 |
| Georgia | $47,380 |
| South Dakota | $47,060 |
| Florida | $46,790 |
| Arizona | $46,110 |
| Nevada | $45,560 |
| Utah | $39,110 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,270 – $45,660 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$57,090 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$71,400 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $88,460+ |
How to Earn More as a Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in Baton Rouge, LA earn $98,790 — $41,700 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($71,400) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenderthis career | $57,090 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 |
| Chemical Technician | $57,790 |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender | $55,770 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Operator | $47,450 |
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SOC: 51-9011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.