SOC 51-8091 · May 2025 · United States
Chemical Plant and System Operators
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Chemical Plant and System Operators across the United States is $78,120 per year, measured over 16,610 jobs. The highest state median is in Florida, at $128,830.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Chemical Plant and System Operators
Pay for this occupation varies by 181.1% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Florida pays $128,830 and Tennessee pays $45,830.
States with the most Chemical Plant and System Operators jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 3,400 | $100,060 | |
| 2 | Texas | 2,360 | $102,750 | |
| 3 | California | 780 | $87,550 | |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 770 | $70,110 | |
| 5 | Virginia | 760 | $63,000 | |
| 6 | North Carolina | 660 | $62,920 | |
| 7 | South Carolina | 610 | $68,510 | |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 570 | $83,710 | |
| 9 | Iowa | 490 | $60,440 | |
| 10 | Missouri | 450 | $55,470 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beaumont | $117,430 | — |
| 2 | San Francisco | $111,900 | 300 |
| 3 | Houston | $106,020 | 1,420 |
| 4 | Baton Rouge | $104,410 | 1,720 |
| 5 | Lake Charles | $102,310 | 740 |
| 6 | Mobile | $96,210 | 110 |
| 7 | New Orleans | $92,260 | 460 |
| 8 | New York | $90,470 | 200 |
| 9 | Worcester | $88,510 | 90 |
| 10 | Portland | $87,210 | 100 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 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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