Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 51-8091$78,120
US median (annual)
$79,970
US mean (annual)
$48,400
10th percentile
$111,930
90th percentile
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US Salary Overview
The national median wage for chemical plant and system operators in the United States is $78,120 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 17,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Before interviews, many candidates work through interview preparation guides for this kind of role.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $48,400 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $60,330 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $78,120 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $98,660 | Experienced |
| 90th | $111,930 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
AMAZON
Chemical Plant and System Operators interview questions
Role-specific interview prep for this occupation.
Check Price →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $128,830 | $109,100 | 60 |
| Wyoming | $107,810 | $104,740 | 300 |
| Texas | $102,750 | $95,620 | 2,000 |
| Louisiana | $100,060 | $95,460 | 3,000 |
| Kentucky | $97,550 | $99,730 | 40 |
| Maryland | $95,150 | $86,860 | 290 |
| Alabama | $91,610 | $85,710 | 230 |
| Arkansas | $91,610 | $85,470 | 240 |
| California | $87,550 | $91,260 | 780 |
| Oregon | $87,110 | $88,420 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $86,820 | $86,380 | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $83,710 | $85,260 | 570 |
| Idaho | $82,980 | $77,120 | 60 |
| West Virginia | $81,710 | $75,250 | 380 |
| New Mexico | $72,610 | $73,430 | — |
| Michigan | $72,430 | $71,060 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $71,080 | $71,980 | 320 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 | $72,840 | 770 |
| South Carolina | $68,510 | $65,640 | 610 |
| Ohio | $67,580 | $68,160 | 240 |
| Minnesota | $66,500 | $65,940 | 150 |
| Illinois | $65,710 | $68,240 | 160 |
| Utah | $63,460 | $60,990 | 320 |
| Virginia | $63,000 | $64,330 | 760 |
| New York | $62,980 | $69,740 | 120 |
| North Carolina | $62,920 | $61,970 | 660 |
| Colorado | $62,870 | $67,920 | 400 |
| Wisconsin | $62,720 | $65,470 | 90 |
| Iowa | $60,440 | $58,320 | 490 |
| Washington | $60,120 | $71,570 | 350 |
| South Dakota | $59,970 | $58,440 | 180 |
| Missouri | $55,470 | $58,650 | 450 |
| Georgia | $49,230 | $54,060 | 220 |
| Indiana | $49,110 | $53,520 | 320 |
| Tennessee | $45,830 | $52,060 | 350 |
Salary data is sourced from BLS OES May 2025. Figures represent gross pay before tax. This page is for reference only.
Recommended Gear & Prep
Negotiating the offer? A salary negotiation guide helps you anchor to the percentiles above.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-07-18