1

Chemical Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Plant Operator Pay: Starting at $26/hour, with 4% Potential Bonus Schedule: 12-hour shifts (3 days on, 3 days off) from 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am (either day or night shift available) . S ...

Chemical Plant Operator Pay: Starting at $26/hour, with 4% Potential Bonus Schedule: 12-hour shifts (3 days on, 3 days off) from 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am (either day or night shift available) . S ...

Chemical Plant Operator Pay: Starting at $26/hour, with 4% Potential Bonus Schedule: 12-hour shifts (3 days on, 3 days off) from 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am (either day or night shift available) . S ...

Ecolab is seekinga Chemical PlantOperator I to join our teamin Clearing, IL .As a Chemical ... Plant Location: Clearing, IL * Work Week & Shift: Day: 6:00 am - 6:30 pm or Night: 6:00 pm - 6:30 ...

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH ยท On-site

$22 - $29/hr

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 ...

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH ยท On-site

$22 - $29/hr

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 ยท 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 Starting wages for our hourly team members is $25.85 and increases to $27.63 after having completed a probationary period . As a Chemical Plant ...

Chemical Plant Operator - North Charleston Plant Starting wages for our hourly team members is $25.85 and increases to $27.63 after having completed a probationary period . As a Chemical Plant ...

Plant Chemical Operator

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$36.49/hr

McGean is a privately held specialty chemical company founded in 1929. The company is actively ... Hiring for a 2nd shift position Production Operator Production Operator duties include: * Handling ...

Chemical Plant Loader Location: SkyMine Plant - 11503 Bulverde Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 CarbonFree is looking for a Chemical Plant Loader to support our company as it grows. This role will report ...

Chemical Operator

Berlin, CT ยท On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Chemical Operator This hands-on Chemical Plant Operator role focuses on blending and manufacturing paints and adhesives while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You will operate ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Plant Operator information

See salary details

$5

$21

$31

How much do chemical plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 39% Full Time, 59% 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 Job

Arkema

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

$26/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title: ย  ย  ย Chemical Plant Operatorย 

Pay: Starting at $26/hour, with 4% Potential Bonus

Schedule: 12-hour shifts (3 days on, 3 days off) from 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am (either day or night shift available) .

SITUATION IN ORGANIZATION:

Position reports directly to the Grand Rapids Production Manger.

JOB DIMENSIONS

This job is responsible for the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of specialty chemical resins. Batch manufacturing includes charging raw materials, processing batches, monitoring and recording key process parameters, and troubleshooting. Other Technician responsibilities include: loading, unloading, cleaning equipment, packaging product, maintaining a safe and orderly work area, assisting other production areas as needed, and overall plant Housekeeping.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations-65%

  • ย 
  • Kettle responsibilities include: loading reactors with raw materials, monitoring and troubleshooting batch process parameters, performing in process and final product Quality testing.
  • Follow operating procedures for job tasks
  • Operate forklift to move materials around the plant
  • Performs tasks assigned to operations (raw material charges, equipment preparation, process samples, etc).

Daily communications-10%

  • Meetings-Safety, Shift Change, Shift planning
  • Coordinate daily activities with and report any issues to the Production Team Lead
  • Maintain proper housekeeping practices in the production area.
  • Routine use of a computer to communicate via e-mail, complete online training and other tasks as assigned.ย 
  • Support other Production Team members as needed, if properly trained for the task

Health Environmental Safety Quality (HSEQ) -15%

  • Complete required Training assignments on-time: computer based, instructor led, and on the job
  • Follow HES and Operating Discipline procedures and practices to ensure safe and efficient operation of assigned plant areas.
  • Proper handling/disposal of hazardous waste materials
  • Follows safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
  • As required, participate in Root Cause Investigations.
    • Understand and execute Emergency Response procedures to mitigate unplanned events in the process.
    • Participate in HSEQ activities provided by site management.
  • Operates and field checks process equipment. Monitors process conditions, equipment and controlย ย ย ย ย ย ย  systems.

Continuous Improvement-10%

  • Performsย troubleshooting of process equipment and systems to resolve process deviations and problems.
  • Uses plant knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance.
  • Helps troubleshoot plant and customer problems.
  • Contributes to value creation by continuous improvement of procedures, the operations work processes and related tools and performance metrics.
  • All other duties as assigned.

CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT

(INCLUDE % TRAVEL, IF APPLICABLE; THREE HES REFERENCES BELOW ARE REQUIRED ON ALL DESCRIPTIONS; SITE MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL HES REFERENCES; FOR PHYSICAL DEMANDS REFER TO THE JOB DEMAND FORM FOR THIS ROLE)

  • This position will be based in Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Comply with the HSEQ Policy.
  • Comply with Regulations, Legal and Internal Requirements of Arkema/CS.
  • Comply with the rules of the specific location to which one is assigned as well as the rules set by the business unit (BU) and Arkema Inc.
  • Comply with all standard procedures and work instructions
  • Report Near Misses to the direct supervisor; report Incidents or Accidents to the direct supervisor.ย  Identify and communicate potential gains or possible improvements to the management system.
  • Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements
  • Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incident

REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS /WORK EXPERIENCE ย 

  • Must have a high school diploma/GED
  • Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment preferred
  • Must be a safety-conscious, highly motivated team player who is able to work independently
  • Must be able to climb ladders, work outside in all weather conditions, lift up to 50lbs and wear PPE including full face air purifying respirator
  • Must be willing to work overtime as needed

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES

  • Effectively communicate in a team environment
  • Willingness to learn
  • Ability to follow and improve procedures
  • Hazard recognition/awareness
  • Assist to resolve problems