About This Career Path
Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
Industrial Technology & Skilled Trades
Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products.
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Average
$42,540
ANNUAL
$20.45
HOURLY
Entry Level
$29,780
ANNUAL
$14.32
HOURLY
Mid Level
$38,130
ANNUAL
$18.33
HOURLY
Expert Level
$59,910
ANNUAL
$28.80
HOURLY
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
1,880
Projected job openings through 2032
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
01
Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
02
Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
03
Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
04
Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
05
Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
06
Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
07
Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
08
Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
09
Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
10
Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
KNOWLEDGE
Chemistry
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
Computers and Electronics
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
Industrial Technology & Skilled Trades
Not sure where to begin?
Career Exploration