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Chemical Process Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chemical Process Operator position is responsible for the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of specialty chemical products. Shift: First Shift: 6AM to 6PM; Rotating 4 days on, 4 days off ...

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Chemical Process Operator information

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$15

$22

$35

How much do chemical process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical process operator 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 are some common challenges Chemical Process Operators face during shift work, and how can they manage them?

Chemical Process Operators often work in rotating shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and affect work-life balance. Managing fatigue, maintaining focus during long hours, and adapting to changing schedules are common challenges. To address these, operators are encouraged to establish consistent sleep routines, prioritize effective handover communication between shifts, and participate in workplace wellness programs when available. Teamwork and clear protocols also help reduce errors and ensure safety during transitions.

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

AspectChemical Process OperatorChemical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require certifications in safety or process operationsHigh school diploma; often an associate degree in chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, testing facilities, manufacturing settings
Job FocusOperating and monitoring chemical processes, ensuring safety and efficiencyTesting, analyzing, and assisting in process development or quality control
Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical manufacturing, oil refining, pharmaceuticals

While both roles work within chemical industries, Chemical Process Operators focus on running and maintaining chemical processes, ensuring safety and efficiency. Chemical Technicians support these processes through testing and analysis, often working more in laboratory settings. Both roles require safety training and relevant certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What does a chemical processing operator do?

A chemical processing operator monitors and controls industrial chemical production processes, ensuring safety and efficiency. They operate equipment such as reactors, pumps, and valves, follow safety protocols, and may perform quality checks and maintenance tasks. Certification and knowledge of safety standards are often required in this role.

What is the role of a chemical process operator?

A chemical process operator monitors and controls industrial chemical processes to ensure safety, efficiency, and product quality. They operate equipment, adjust process parameters, perform routine inspections, and follow safety protocols, often working with control systems and requiring technical training or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chemical Process Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, safety protocols, and at least a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process control software, and equipment such as pumps and reactors is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators respond effectively to process changes and emergencies. These competencies are vital for maintaining safe, efficient plant operations and ensuring product quality.

What does a Chemical Process Operator do?

A Chemical Process Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment and processes used in the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other materials. They ensure that production runs efficiently, safely, and within quality standards by adjusting controls, conducting tests, and troubleshooting issues. Operators often work in shifts and must follow strict safety protocols to handle hazardous materials. Their role is essential in maintaining continuous production and preventing accidents in industrial settings.

How much do chemical process operators make?

Chemical process operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. They often work in manufacturing plants, operating and monitoring equipment, and may require safety training and technical skills.

What Is the Job of a Chemical Process Operator?

As a chemical process operator, you monitor and maintain equipment, making sure everything is running efficiently so that you meet quality and time commitments for each project. You mix, process, and package all chemicals within the production area. Your responsibilities also include completing operations like reactions, filtrations, distillations, and any other chemical process needed based on manufacturing and standard operating procedures (SOPs). You must also follow batch sheet instructions to produce the product and meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines. Other duties include setting up equipment, cleaning and verifying vessels, and recording your observations to assess any issues that arise later.

How much does a chemical processor make?

The average salary for a chemical process operator is around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level operators typically earn less, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift work may also increase total compensation.
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Infographic showing various Chemical Process Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,693 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Chemical Process Operator

Chemical Process Operator

Sherwin-Williams

Chester, SC • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Sherwin-Williams rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

224th of 527 rated manufacturers


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:

Day Shift: 5:45 AM - 6:00 PM, 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 forklifts
  • 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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