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Chemical Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Set up and operate equipment, technology tools, and chemical, mechanical, or thermal processes in assigned areas of the production facility, requiring interaction of several variables, and is often ...

Chemical Operator

Millington, TN

$17.75 - $20.50/hr

The Chemical Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining safety, plant production, operating efficiency and regulatory compliance. Job Responsibilities Operate equipment and processes according to ...

Chemical Operator

Millington, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $20.50/hr

The Chemical Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining safety, plant production, operating efficiency and regulatory compliance. Job Responsibilities • Operate equipment and processes according ...

Chemical Plant Operator I

Lisle, IL · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Batch Chemical Processing and Housekeeping Requirements • Proficient in performing all ... operating area and tank farm • Assist in the equipment set-up and changeover from process to ...

New

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Chemical Operator II

Ellwood City, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

As a Chemical Plant Operator II, you'll help deliver products that support clean water, safe food, and healthy environments around the world. You'll be responsible for operating and controlling ...

Chemical Plant Operator - North Charleston Plant As a Chemical Plant Operator at the North Charleston Plant you will have the opportunity to join a highly engaged team that takes pride in working ...

Chemical Plant Operator - North Charleston Plant As a Chemical Plant Operator at the North Charleston Plant you will have the opportunity to join a highly engaged team that takes pride in working ...

Chemical Operator II

Ellwood City, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

As a Chemical Plant Operator II,you'llhelp deliver products that support clean water, safe food, and healthy environments around the world.You'llbe responsible foroperatingand controlling chemical ...

POSITION OVERVIEW This position is located at the Milliken Allen Plant located in Blacksburg, SC, and reports to a production manager. A Chemical Operator is a key role in the chemical manufacturing ...

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Chemical Plant Operator information

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How much do chemical plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs, specialized medical professionals like surgeons, and certain senior legal or financial positions. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced education, and often involve significant responsibility and long hours.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior chemical plant operators, certain medical professionals, corporate executives, and skilled consultants. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills, and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What do chemical plant operators do?

Chemical plant operators monitor and control the processes in chemical manufacturing facilities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality. They operate equipment such as pumps, valves, and reactors, perform routine inspections, and follow safety protocols, often working in shifts and requiring technical training or certifications.

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.

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 Is the Job of 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A chemical plant operator can earn around $10,000 per month with experience and specialized skills, often without requiring a college degree. High-paying roles in this field typically involve working in industrial environments, operating complex equipment, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training. Salary varies based on location, experience, and company size.
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 are popular job titles related to Chemical Plant Operator jobs? For Chemical Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chemical Plant Operator

Chemical Plant Operator

Cargill

Watkins Glen, NY • On-site

$33.18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 215 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make, and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.
This position is in our Food Enterprise, where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa, and chocolate.

Job Type: Full-time
Shift(s) Available: 3rd
Compensation: $33.18/hr
Sign-On Bonus: $1500


New, easy-to-apply options are available for this role: chat with our recruiting assistant Ana at careers.cargill.com or text CargillJobs to 60196.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription
  • Drug Insurance
  • Health and Wellness Incentives
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • 401(k) with Cargill matching contributions
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts

Principal Accountabilities:

  • Set up and operate equipment, technology tools, and chemical, mechanical, or thermal processes in assigned areas of the production facility, requiring interaction of several variables, and is often considered the relief position who can perform all production operations
  • Monitor equipment and control panels and control loops, execute manual valves, sample and run analytical tests, adjust chemical processes using selectivity and considerable judgement, and utilize computer systems to input and record data, working from verbal instructions
  • Use power tools, basic hand tools, and electrical tools to perform preventative and autonomous maintenance, troubleshoot complex machine performance issues, and provide guidance and support to others
  • Interact regularly with peers and management to pursue continuous improvement spanning the full range of facility operations, with authority to make moderate changes, as defined by management
  • Ensure collection and completion of safety permits, safety reviews, and safety practices
  • Operate mobile powered equipment (ie. Forklift, Skid Loader, Sit Down Floor Sweeper, Front End Loader)
    Inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment utilized by the facility to troubleshoot, perform light maintenance, and complete repair work
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be eligible to work in the US without visa sponsorship
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Ability to understand and communicate in English (verbal/written)
  • Basic use of a computer
  • Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions, which may include heat, cold, dust, loud noise, etc., with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ability to work in elevated areas (4 feet and above)
  • Ability to perform physical job duties, which may include bending, lifting up to 50lbs, kneeling, climbing, crawling, and twisting, with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • Ability to work overtime, including weekends, holidays, or different shifts, with advance notice

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience with varied processes in a manufacturing environment
  • Ability to operate production equipment and support multiple production operations
  • Experience using control panels to monitor and control equipment
  • Experience with sampling and testing processes
  • Mechanical aptitude, including the use of power tools, hand tools, and basic electrical tools
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for equipment or process-related issues
  • High school diploma/GED or equivalent work experience in a production or manufacturing setting
        

Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code. Please note that this position does not include relocation reimbursement. 
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.


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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US