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Chemical Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecolab is seeking a Chemical Plant Operator I to join our team in Texarkana, TX. As a Chemical Plant Operator I, you'll help deliver the products that support clean water, safe food, and healthy ...

Ecolab is seeking a Chemical Plant Operator I to join our team in Texarkana, TX. As a Chemical Plant Operator I, you'll help deliver the products that support clean water, safe food, and healthy ...

The primary purpose of the Chemical Plant Operator's position is to perform all assigned tasks, including but not limited to, the safe and efficient operation of Chemical Plant equipment to produce ...

The primary purpose of the Chemical Plant Operator's position is to perform all assigned tasks, including but not limited to, the safe and efficient operation of Chemical Plant equipment to produce ...

The primary purpose of the Chemical Plant Operator's position is to perform all assigned tasks, including but not limited to, the safe and efficient operation of Chemical Plant equipment to produce ...

Position Summary The primary purpose of the Chemical Plant Operator role is to operate safely and efficiently, and control equipment units or systems involved in the coating manufacturing process.

Ecolab is seekinga Chemical PlantOperator I to join our teamin Texarkana, TX. As a Chemical ... Plant Location: Texarkana, TX * Work Week & Shift: Monday - Thursday, 2:00pm - 12:00am (midnight ...

One or more years of experience working in an operating plant environment * Experience operating a forklift * Experience operating valves, gauging tanks, and/or performing maintenance on equipment

One or more years of experience working in an operating plant environment * Experience operating a forklift * Experience operating valves, gauging tanks, and/or performing maintenance on equipment

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Chemical Plant Operator information

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How much do chemical plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical plant operator in the United States is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical plant operator?

Chemical plant operators monitor the equipment at a chemical plant. As a chemical plant operator, your responsibilities include adjusting valves to regulate chemical yields, adding chemicals to converters, and interpreting chemical reactions to ensure they occur as expected. You also analyze samples, review lab tests to adjust the production processes as needed, assure plant efficiency, repair damaged equipment, and report all spills and unusual activity. Some chemical plant operators may be in charge of calculating the number of required materials for each product and determining material yields. You also monitor the processes to ensure they comply with quality standards and company, state, and federal safety regulations.

What does a chemical plant operator do?

A Chemical Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing the production process in chemical manufacturing facilities. They control and monitor equipment, adjust variables such as temperature and pressure, and ensure that safety and quality standards are maintained. Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and record data to ensure smooth and efficient plant operations. Their role is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring that the plant produces chemicals according to specified guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with process control systems (such as DCS or SCADA), equipment monitoring tools, and relevant safety certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help operators anticipate issues and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of chemical plant facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by chemical plant operators and how can they be addressed?

Chemical Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining strict safety protocols, and adapting to rapidly changing production demands. Effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams is essential for resolving technical issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with safety training and standard operating procedures helps prevent accidents and ensures regulatory compliance. Developing a keen attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills will help operators manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Chemical Plant Operator vs Chemical Process Technician?

AspectChemical Plant OperatorChemical Process Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles require technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesChemical processing plants, manufacturing environments
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processes, ensuring safetyMaintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing chemical processes
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical manufacturing, oil & gasFound in chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries

While both roles work within chemical manufacturing environments, Chemical Plant Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Chemical Process Technicians often handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and process optimization tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in chemical production, but their daily responsibilities differ slightly.

How much do chemical plant operators make a year?

Chemical plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Advanced operators with specialized skills or supervisory roles can earn higher wages, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

How much do chemical plant operators make?

Chemical plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific facility. They often work in shifts and need knowledge of safety protocols and process control systems.

How to get hired at a chemical plant operator?

To become a chemical plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary training or an associate degree in chemistry, process technology, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding safety protocols, operating control systems, and performing routine maintenance; certifications such as OSHA safety training or process technology credentials can improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with prior experience in industrial settings or technical training programs, and a willingness to work shifts or in hazardous environments is common.

What cities are hiring for Chemical Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Chemical Plant Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Plant Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Chemical Plant Operator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Chemical Plant Operator jobs?

The top employers for Chemical Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Chemical Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chemical Plant Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Plant Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Plant Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chemical Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Chemical Plant Operator

Ecolab Inc.

Texarkana, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Ecolab rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 211 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 103 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Want to build a brighter, bolder future and cultivate your career? Join Ecolab’s team and help create a world in which we all thrive. 

Ecolab is seeking a Chemical Plant Operator I to join our team in Texarkana, TX. As a Chemical Plant Operator I, you’ll help deliver the products that support clean water, safe food, and healthy environments around the world. You’ll be responsible for operating and controlling chemical processing systems and equipment to produce high-quality products safely and efficiently. This is a hands-on opportunity to grow your skills in a dynamic environment while contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.  

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

  • Review daily mix schedules and confirm availability of required raw materials to ensure smooth production flow 

  • Accurately add raw materials to mixing systems using manual methods, pumps, or automated equipment, following standard mix instructions 

  • Operate mixing equipment with variable agitation to achieve consistent batch quality 

  • Monitor product quality throughout the mixing and filling process, identifying and reporting any out-of-spec materials or batches 

  • Partner with Quality team members to resolve batch discrepancies and ensure compliance with standards 

  • Perform thorough cleaning of all mix tanks and associated equipment to maintain a safe and sanitary work environment 

  • Operate forklifts, palletizers, scales, pumps, and other material handling equipment to move raw materials and finished goods 

  • Conduct routine preventative maintenance on production equipment and facility systems 

  • Maintain accurate production records and equipment logs 

  • Contribute to a culture of safety by following all Ecolab safety protocols and participating in safety initiatives 

  • Collaborate with team members to identify and implement process improvements aligned with Ecolab’s continuous improvement goals 

  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support plant operations and team success 

Position Details: 

  • Plant Location: Texarkana, TX

  • Work Week & Shift: Monday - Thursday, 2:00pm - 12:00am (midnight)

What’s Unique About This Role: 

  • Be part of a team that directly supports Ecolab’s mission to protect public health and the environment 

  • Gain hands-on experience with chemical processing systems and industry-leading safety practices 

  • Grow in a supportive environment that values safety, collaboration, and shared success  

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent 

  • Previous industrial (large batch) mixing experience, mixing multiple tanks at once

  • Previous experience in chemical mixing  

  • No immigration sponsorship available for this role  

Physical Requirements of Position: 

  • Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 pounds chest high 

Ecolab is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience working safely and efficiently in a chemical or manufacturing environment 

  • Ability to understand systems, pumps, read meters, basic Quality Control data and to track mixing and quality information (mix logs, batch adjustments, etc.) 

  • Ability to perform basic Quality Control tests (perform pH testing, take samples) 

  • Excellent attention to detail; ability to simultaneously mix several tanks and accurately complete related documents 

  • Experience operating a Forklift  

  • Basic knowledge of chemistry and chemical handling 

  • Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with hand and power tools 

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills 

  • Experience working effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment  

What’s in it For You:  

  • Starting on Day 1: Access to our comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company-paid pension, stock purchase plan, paid parental leave, select discounted childcare resources, and more!  

  • The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, and healthy environments  

  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth  

  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best  

About Ecolab: 

At Ecolab, we prioritize our talent-first philosophy by creating the most capable and diverse team to excel at our nearly three million customer sites. Building on a century of innovation, our 48,000 associates help deliver comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. Our solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability and public health, making a positive impact on the world. We are committed to eliminating unnecessary complexities and embracing a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking new perspectives and innovative solutions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. 

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is $23.17 - $34.76. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits 

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits. 

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here. 


Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.


Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website. 


Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.

In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.


What Ecolab employees say

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923