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Chemical Plant and System Operators in New York

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 New York the median pay is $62,980 a year, 19% below the national median of $78,120.

$62,980median pay in New York, per year
$55,070–$84,390middle half earn
120employed in New York
$78,120U.S. median, for comparison
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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 New York

Chemical Plant and System Operators pay in other states

Related occupations

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.
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O*NET-SOC 51-8091.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, New York, annual.