Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
Median pay: $58,040/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 14,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
• Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
• Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
• Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
• Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
• Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
• Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
• Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
What's the median pay for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?
The median pay for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders is $58,040 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?
Employment for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders is projected to change +3.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders?
About 14,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.