Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders manage and tend equipment used in chemical processes. This role combines hands-on work with the need to monitor details and follow procedures carefully. Nationally, there are about 129,000 jobs in this occupation, supported by a projected employment growth rate of 3.3% and around 14,000 annual openings. This mix of an established employment base and ongoing openings suggests a steady flow of opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers. The national median annual salary of $57,090 places this career as a viable option for individuals seeking a role that can be entered with a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong skills in science, mechanical concepts, problem solving, and attention to detail are important, along with physical strength and fine motor abilities. For people who prefer a structured, technical work environment and are comfortable with equipment and technology, this occupation can offer a stable and skills-based career path.
The national median annual salary for chemical equipment operators and tenders is $57,090, providing a clear benchmark for earning expectations in this field. Salaries vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, Washington shows a median salary of $67,300, while California offers $58,300 and Massachusetts $56,920. New York and Colorado have median salaries of $49,640 and $50,370, respectively. At the metro level, several areas stand out with higher median pay. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV reports $72,660, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $71,210, both above the national median. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a median salary of $63,510, while New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH report $54,790 and $57,370. These differences show that earnings can shift significantly depending on state and metro area.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders have a national employment base of about 129,000 workers, indicating a well-established occupation. Projected employment growth of 3.3% suggests that the field is expected to expand over time rather than contract. In addition, there are about 14,000 annual openings, which reflects not only new jobs from growth but also opportunities created as current workers move to other roles or retire. A consistent number of openings can be important for students and job seekers planning their career steps. The combination of existing employment, projected growth, and regular annual openings provides a picture of a career with ongoing hiring activity. For individuals who build strong skills in science, mechanical concepts, and problem solving, and who meet the typical education requirement, the labor market outlook points to continued demand across different regions.
Location choices can shape both opportunity and pay for chemical equipment operators and tenders. Among states, California ranks highly with a median salary of $58,300, employment of 5,670, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also offer strong opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, with median salaries of $56,920 and $49,640. Washington stands out for its higher median salary of $67,300, while Colorado shows a median of $50,370 and an opportunity score of 56.97. At the metro level, several areas combine high opportunity scores with notable salaries. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ have opportunity scores above 77, with median salaries of $63,510 and $54,790. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offer median salaries above $71,000. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH provides a balance of a $57,370 median salary and a 63.37 opportunity score, highlighting varied but strong regional options.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to people who are ready to move into technical work without completing a college degree. Even with this entry-level education requirement, the skill profile is broad and emphasizes both mental and physical capabilities. Important strengths include science and mathematics to understand processes and measurements, as well as mechanical skills for working with equipment. Being detail oriented, having problem solving and decision-making skills, and strong writing and reading abilities support accurate, clear work. Physical strength and stamina, along with fine motor skills, are also important for handling tasks that may be physically demanding or require precise control. Comfort with computers and information technology rounds out the skill set, helping operators monitor systems and document their work effectively, and supporting long-term employability in this occupation.
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