Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chemical equipment operators and tenders control machinery that processes raw materials into finished industrial or consumer products through chemical reactions. They monitor and adjust equipment such as steam-jacketed kettles, reactor vessels, and devulcanizers in manufacturing plants, chemical facilities, and processing plants. The work involves following procedures to ensure reactions proceed safely and products meet specifications.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical equipment operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves monitoring gauges and instruments on reactor vessels and processing equipment, adjusting temperature and pressure settings, and recording data at regular intervals. Operators check for leaks or malfunctions, add chemicals or materials as instructed, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Tasks may include cleaning equipment, performing routine maintenance, and documenting batch results. Work is primarily indoors in industrial facilities that operate continuously across day, evening, and night shifts.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you're comfortable following detailed procedures and monitoring equipment for extended periods. You prefer concrete, hands-on tasks with clear right answers over abstract problem-solving, and you value steady employment with straightforward expectations and minimal unpredictability.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $69,260 | $101,590 | $101,590 | 290 |
| Alabama | $48,580 | $80,330 | $84,740 | 3,280 |
| Montana | $53,320 | $79,570 | $88,940 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $59,160 | $78,580 | $101,800 | 6,430 |
| Idaho | $57,740 | $77,100 | $77,110 | 550 |
| Rhode Island | $45,840 | $69,630 | $100,240 | 430 |
| Washington | $52,190 | $67,300 | $78,470 | 1,720 |
| West Virginia | $56,990 | $66,060 | $92,620 | 1,190 |
| Arkansas | $47,860 | $64,440 | $82,280 | 1,160 |
| Mississippi | $37,450 | $64,360 | $80,460 | 990 |
| Delaware | $59,390 | $63,200 | $74,580 | 1,160 |
| Illinois | $47,000 | $61,940 | $80,550 | 5,580 |
All 47 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 1 (CIP) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 3 Peer Review — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Pressure Vessels Inspector Certification (API 510) — American Petroleum Institute
- Piping Inspector Certification (API 570) — American Petroleum Institute
- Protective Coating Technician (PCS) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Veriforce PEC H2S Clear for Energy — Omega Safety Training
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical equipment operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.