Chemical Plant and System Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Chemical Plant and System Operators Make?
Chemical Plant and System Operators earn a median annual salary of $73,540 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,790 at the 90th percentile — a range of $59,790. The highest-paying state is North Dakota at $112,970.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,000 |
| 25th percentile | $57,080 |
| Median (50th) | $73,540 |
| 75th percentile | $98,050 |
| 90th percentile | $107,790 |
Chemical Plant and System Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Dakotatop | $112,970 |
| Wyoming | $104,420 |
| Texas | $99,250 |
| Kentucky | $98,890 |
| Louisiana | $96,500 |
| Maryland | $92,930 |
| New Jersey | $88,550 |
| California | $88,280 |
| Alabama | $84,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,660 |
| Florida | $68,640 |
| West Virginia | $67,600 |
| Michigan | $67,230 |
| Illinois | $66,580 |
| Tennessee | $66,140 |
| Ohio | $65,510 |
| Massachusetts | $65,500 |
| Montana | $65,190 |
| Minnesota | $64,420 |
| Georgia | $62,600 |
| Connecticut | $62,590 |
| Virginia | $61,950 |
| South Carolina | $61,100 |
| New York | $61,050 |
| Colorado | $60,300 |
| Iowa | $60,100 |
| Washington | $58,280 |
| Idaho | $57,300 |
| South Dakota | $56,690 |
| North Carolina | $56,630 |
| Mississippi | $55,750 |
| Utah | $53,420 |
| Indiana | $51,170 |
| Wisconsin | $51,000 |
| Missouri | $50,700 |
| Arkansas | $46,130 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Chemical Plant and System Operators
Chemical Plant and System Operator 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) | ~$48,000 – $57,080 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$73,540 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$98,050 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $107,790+ |
How to Earn More as a Chemical Plant and System Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Chemical Plant and System Operators in North Dakota earn $112,970 — $39,430 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 ($98,050) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Chemical Plant and System Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Plant and System Operatorthis career | $73,540 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 |
| Chemist | $84,150 |
| Chemical Technician | $57,790 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
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SOC: 51-8091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.