Chemical Plant and System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

What They Do

Chemical plant and system operators run the equipment and processes that transform raw materials into products like plastics, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and fertilizers. They work in manufacturing facilities, monitoring computerized control boards that display temperature, pressure, and flow rates throughout the production system. During their shifts, they adjust valves, switches, and controls to maintain optimal conditions, following detailed specifications for each chemical process. They conduct regular inspections by walking through the plant to check equipment, look for leaks, and ensure everything operates safely and efficiently.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Lee College, TX
$94,986
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Kilgore College, TX
$68,335
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Ashland Community and Technical College, KY
$61,539
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Houston Community College, TX
$60,612
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)San Jacinto Community College, TX
$59,496
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Del Mar College, TX
$56,948
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Alvin Community College, TX
$54,543
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Berkeley City College, CA
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Cape Fear Community College, NC
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Bellingham Technical College, WA
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Delta College, MI
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Chattanooga State Community College, TN
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, OH
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College, IL
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Bucks County Community College, PA
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)BridgeValley Community & Technical College, WV
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Ball State University, IN
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Community College of Rhode Island, RI
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)County College of Morris, NJ
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)CUNY New York City College of Technology, NY
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Columbia Basin College, WA
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Delaware Technical Community College-Terry, DE
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Brazosport College, TX
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)East Los Angeles College, CA
$54,260
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College, IL
$54,260

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