Chemical Equipment Operator

Your Fit

Income

$57K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-5.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Chemical Equipment Operator?

A Chemical Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment that processes chemical substances into industrial or consumer products. They ensure the efficient and safe production of chemicals, adhering to strict protocols and standards.

Sample job titles:

Chemical Operator, Multiskill Operator, Outside Operator, Vessel Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Chemical Equipment Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Chemical Equipment Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$46K per year	$57K per year	$71K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.59K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Chemical Equipment Operator do?

Work environment

Operators typically work in factories, plants, or laboratories where chemicals are produced or processed. The environment requires adherence to safety protocols due to exposure to hazardous materials. Shift work is common, including nights and weekends.

Quick task list

Sets up, operates, and maintains chemical production equipment.
Monitors processes and makes adjustments to maintain product quality.
Tests samples for quality control and maintains records.
Ensures compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Troubleshoots equipment and process issues.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pharmaceutical Production: Focusing on the creation of drugs and medical treatments.
Petrochemical Processing: Specializing in converting petroleum and natural gas into chemical products.
Plastics and Polymers Manufacturing: Producing various plastic and polymer materials.
Food and Beverage Chemical Processing: Working with chemicals related to food preservatives, flavorings, and colorings.
Agricultural Chemicals: Specializing in fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides production.

Description

Chemical Equipment Operators play a critical role in the manufacturing sector, contributing to the production of a vast array of products, from everyday household items to specialized chemicals. Precision and attention to detail are paramount in this role, as operators need to accurately follow formulas and processing procedures. They must have a solid understanding of the machinery they operate, including how to adjust settings and troubleshoot problems.

Safety is a top priority, given the potential risks associated with handling hazardous materials. Operators must be well-versed in safety protocols and emergency response procedures. The job also demands a strong sense of responsibility, as the quality of the final product directly impacts consumer safety and satisfaction.

This career offers the satisfaction of contributing to essential products, opportunities for technical skill development, and the stability of working in an in-demand industry. For those interested in science and mechanics, it offers a practical application of these fields in a production setting.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the creation of products that are essential in everyday life.
Mastering complex machinery and chemical processes.
The challenge and responsibility of maintaining safety standards.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

You might make a good Chemical Equipment Operator if you are...

Interested in science, particularly chemistry and its practical applications.
Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on safety and quality.
Comfortable working with machinery and technological systems.
Able to work independently and make informed decisions.
Eager to work in a field that combines hands-on activity with technical knowledge.

Pros:

Steady demand in various industries.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization.
High level of responsibility and independence.

Cons:

Exposure to hazardous materials and potential safety risks.
The need to work in shifts, possibly including nights and weekends.
The physical demands of operating and maintaining equipment.

How to become a Chemical Equipment Operator

Typical education

A high school diploma is usually sufficient, but additional vocational training or an associate degree in process technology can be beneficial. On-the-job training is a significant aspect of skill development in this field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Chemistry and physics to understand basic scientific principles.
Industrial arts or vocational training for hands-on experience with machinery.
Mathematics for accurate measurements and calculations.
Computer classes for operating technologically advanced equipment.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Science clubs or fairs to foster interest in scientific processes.
Part-time jobs or internships in manufacturing or industrial settings.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training programs in chemical processing or equipment operation.
Associate degrees in process technology or chemical engineering technology.
Certifications in specialized areas like hazardous material handling.
On-the-job training programs offered by employers.

More resources

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) - Provides resources and networking opportunities in the chemical engineering field.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers training and guidelines on workplace safety, crucial for chemical operators.
National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) - Includes information on chemical distribution and handling, relevant for operators.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.