Careers · Chemical Plant and System Operators · California
Chemical Plant and System Operators in California
Chemical plant and system operators control and monitor the equipment and processes that produce chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products. They work in manufacturing facilities, refineries, and chemical plants, where they operate machinery, adjust controls, and ensure processes run safely and efficiently. In California the median pay is $87,550 a year, 12% above the national median of $78,120.
$87,550median pay in California, per year
$81,210–$103,060middle half earn
780employed in California
$78,120U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeaking
Knowledge areas
MechanicalChemistryMathematics (knowledge)Production and ProcessingPhysicsPublic Safety and Security
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Chemical Plant and System Operators.
Licenses and training in California
Chemical Plant and System Operators pay in other states
Florida · $128,830Wyoming · $107,810Texas · $102,750Louisiana · $100,060Kentucky · $97,550Maryland · $95,150Alabama · $91,610Arkansas · $91,610Oregon · $87,110New Jersey · $86,820
Related occupations
Gas Plant OperatorsPetroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and GaugersPlant and System Operators, All OtherBiofuels Processing TechniciansNuclear Power Reactor OperatorsPower Distributors and DispatchersPower Plant OperatorsBiomass Plant Technicians
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8091.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.