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Advanced Manufacturing

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

Annual openings

18

Median wage

$62,870

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+2%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I Certification is valued.

Work experience

Training/knowledge in science, technology, engineering, mathematics is valued.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.
Did you love to make messes in the kitchen as a kid? Do chemistry experiments intrigue you? A chemical equipment operator spends their days managing chemicals and chemical processing machines. As a chemical equipment operator, you’ll work on the production floor as a critical component of the assembly line. It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing job that involves everything from chemicals to computers.
Chemical equipment operators work with very specific, specialized machines. As a result, you’ll get to know the ins and outs of your machine. Routine maintenance and upkeep are a part of your job as well as diagnosing problems and issues that might slow down or stop the manufacturing line. Knowledge of and attention to safety procedures is vital when working with chemicals and heavy machinery because both can be very dangerous. You’ll work with chemicals you’ve never heard of, making products that may range from medical gases to food products.
Your everyday tasks will include loading chemicals into the machines, which requires strength and caution. You’ll also start and stop the machines and check gauges to make sure everything is running properly. You might have the job of unloading and transporting finished products, cleaning the machine, and training new operators.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Manufacturing

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
  2. Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
  3. Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
  4. Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
  5. Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
  6. Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
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