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Chemical Process Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Chemical Process Operator Trainee information

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$35

How much do chemical process operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical process operator trainee in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical process operator trainee do?

A Chemical Process Operator Trainee assists in the operation and monitoring of equipment used in chemical manufacturing plants. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to learn how to control processes, ensure safety, and maintain product quality. Trainees are responsible for following standard operating procedures, recording data, and reporting any issues to senior staff. This role is an entry-level position designed to provide hands-on training and experience in industrial chemical processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical process operator trainee?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Operator Trainee, you need a strong understanding of chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring postsecondary coursework in process technology. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), safety protocols, and basic laboratory equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that set top trainees apart. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operation of chemical processes and support compliance with strict industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by chemical process operator trainees during their initial months on the job?

Chemical Process Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to safely operate complex equipment, understanding strict safety protocols, and adapting to shift work schedules. The role typically requires close attention to detail, as small mistakes can impact production quality or safety. Trainees usually work under the supervision of experienced operators and must quickly develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with team members and supervisors. Overcoming the steep learning curve and building confidence in handling emergency procedures are also key hurdles faced in the early stages.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Operator Trainee vs Chemical Process Operator?

AspectChemical Process Operator TraineeChemical Process Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; often additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, safety-focusedOperational plant environment, hands-on work, shift work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training programs in chemical manufacturingFull-time roles in chemical, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries

The main difference is that a Chemical Process Operator Trainee is in a training phase, gaining skills and experience under supervision, while a Chemical Process Operator is a fully qualified worker responsible for operating and maintaining chemical processing equipment independently.

More about Chemical Process Operator Trainee jobs

What states have the most Chemical Process Operator Trainee jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Process Operator Trainee jobs?

For Chemical Process Operator Trainee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chemical Process Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,693 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Chemical Process Operator

Chester, SC • On-site

Sherwin-Williams
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Sherwin-Williams rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 690 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is an essential part of Sherwin's manufacturing team. This position is responsible for setting up, running, and maintaining manufacturing equipment to produce paint and coating products consistent with customer requirements. This position performs various manufacturing tasks as assigned and is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and productive working environment.

Additional Information:

Night Shift: 5:45 PM - 6:00 AM, 2 days on, 2 days off, then working every other Friday, Saturday, Sunday

This position is also eligible for bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of the Company's applicable plans.

Job duties include contact with other employees, operating heavy machinery, and access to proprietary information, raw materials, finished merchandise, and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and vendors.

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life ... with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career ... with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection ... with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible

At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute-it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on "Candidates" to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.

Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.

Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.

As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.

Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Have at least one (1) year experience working in a manufacturing and/or distribution facility
  • Have at least one (1) year of work experience monitoring gauges, dials, or other machinery indicators to ensure proper operation of machinery
  • Have at least one (1) year of work experience operating machinery in a manufacturing and/or distribution environment
  • Have at least one (1) year of work experience monitoring the quality of raw materials and/or finished goods
  • Have at least one (1) year of work experience operating packaging equipment such as robotics, filling machines, case packers, or labelers, etc.
  • Have at least one (1) year of work experience using material handling equipment (for example: forklifts (stand and sit), pallet jacks, hand trucks, order pickers, vacu-hoists, drum dollys, conveyor belts, etc.)
  • Advocate and practice the principals of the Safety program
  • Participate in plant safety committee meetings and activities
  • Filter and screen reactor and process tank batches
  • Operate manufacturing equipment such as HSD's, pumps and valves
  • Operate packaging equipment such as robotics, filling machines, case packers, labelers, etc.
  • Monitor quality or product in manufacturing and packaging areas to include OTMIS (off the mill in spec), cycles, fill levels, package appearance, fill weights, and raw material certificate of analysis
  • Read and follow instructions in all areas of the production floor, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, receiving, etc.
  • Complete paperwork involved in the course of the manufacturing process.
  • Operate industrial power lifts per procedure
  • Reporting unsafe conditions
  • Participate in housekeeping activities that are indicative of a safe and clutter free work environment
  • Participate with training of new manufacturing techs

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