SOC 51-9011 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders — South Arkansas
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area · 2 metro areas compared
In South Arkansas, AR the median wage for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders reaches $78,530 a year.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In South Arkansas, AR the median wage for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders reaches $78,530 a year. That is 35.3% more than the national median of $58,040. Pay ranges from under $41,820 at the tenth percentile to more than $89,890 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $60,890 to $87,560.
Employment stands at 650, or 5.5 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Little Rock records the highest median at $45,340. Of the 349 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 51st.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $41,820 | −27.9% |
| 25th | $60,890 | +4.9% |
| Median (50th) | $78,530 | +35.3% |
| 75th | $87,560 | +50.9% |
| 90th | $89,890 | +54.9% |
| Mean | $71,770 | +23.7% |
Other metro areas in Arkansas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Rock | $45,340 | 150 | |
| 2 | Fort Smith | $40,820 | 40 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Arkansas run 13.1% below the national average, so the median of $78,530 goes as far as $90,368 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 55.7% above the national median in real terms.
Published median
$78,530as reported by BLSLocal price level
86.9US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$90,368US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $78,530 a year, 35.3% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $41,820 to $89,890 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 650 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Little Rock, at $45,340.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in South Arkansas, AR?
The median annual wage is $78,530, or $37.76 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $58,040, so pay in South Arkansas, AR is 35.3% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Arkansas, AR earns more than $89,890 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $41,820 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Little Rock, at $45,340 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 650 jobs in this occupation in South Arkansas, AR. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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