Production & Manufacturing · Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$25–31k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$44–52k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-6.1% · Declining
Projected decline of -6.1% from 2024 to 2034; about 2 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Operators
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Experienced Chemical Plant and System Operators
Senior Chemical Plant and System Operators
Director of Production & Manufacturing
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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71 schools offer programs in this career field.
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