Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

SOC code 51-9011 · O*NET-SOC 51-9011.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,040

a year

Hourly

$27.90

per hour

10th$37,440Median$58,04090th$92,250

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,710

$29.19 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,970 – $74,080

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,440 – $92,250

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

139,630

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,440; $18.00/hr
25th percentile: $45,970; $22.10/hr
Median percentile: $58,040; $27.90/hr
75th percentile: $74,080; $35.62/hr
90th percentile: $92,250; $44.35/hr

What do chemical equipment operators and tenders do?

Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a chemical equipment operators and tenders earn?

The national median is $58,040 a year. The full range runs from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $92,250 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a chemical equipment operators and tenders without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Writing3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Chemistry4.0/5
Production and Processing3.9/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Mechanical3.1/5
English Language2.9/5
Education and Training2.9/5
Engineering and Technology2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving.