Industrial Chemicals Workers

In May 2023, median annual earnings for chemical equipment operators and tenders were $51,720, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries ranged from less than $36,200 to $84,310 or more. Chemical plant and system operators earned median annual salaries of $80,030, while mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders averaged $46,100. Industrial production managers in basic chemical manufacturing earned median annual pay of $140,830. Salaries ranged from $72,010 to $190,480 or higher depending on job duties and the number of workers that they supervised.

Workers are usually paid more for night, weekend, and overtime work. Hourly rates for each production job are often set by union contract. Fringe benefits vary among employers. They may include group, hospital, dental, and life insurance; paid holidays and vacations; and pension plans. Also, many workers qualify for college tuition aid from their companies.