How much does a chemical operator make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $6,510 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $5,292
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.5 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 142 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $200,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $106,500 |
| 2. Australia | $102,700 |
| 3. Iceland estimate | $86,570 |
| 5. Norway estimate | $78,590 |
| 6. United States | $78,120 |
| 7. Denmark estimate | $77,900 |
| 142. Malawi estimate | $462 |
Similar jobs
Technicians and associate professionals
- Power plant operator$79,440
- Water plant operator$68,970
- Process operator$90,010
- Metal furnace operator$54,430
- Pulp control worker$68,120
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| Florida | $128,800 |
| Wyoming | $107,800 |
| Texas | $102,800 |
| Louisiana | $100,100 |
| Kentucky | $97,550 |
| Maryland | $95,150 |
| Alabama | $91,610 |
| Arkansas | $91,610 |
| California | $87,550 |
| Oregon | $87,110 |
See all 35 states
| New Jersey | $86,820 |
| Massachusetts | $83,710 |
| Idaho | $82,980 |
| West Virginia | $81,710 |
| New Mexico | $72,610 |
| Michigan | $72,430 |
| Mississippi | $71,080 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,110 |
| South Carolina | $68,510 |
| Ohio | $67,580 |
| Minnesota | $66,500 |
| Illinois | $65,710 |
| Utah | $63,460 |
| Virginia | $63,000 |
| New York | $62,980 |
| North Carolina | $62,920 |
| Colorado | $62,870 |
| Wisconsin | $62,720 |
| Iowa | $60,440 |
| Washington | $60,120 |
| South Dakota | $59,970 |
| Missouri | $55,470 |
| Georgia | $49,230 |
| Indiana | $49,110 |
| Tennessee | $45,830 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chemical operator make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $6,510 a month, $78,120 a year.
How much does a chemical operator make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $48,400 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $111,900.
Which country pays a chemical operator the most?
Australia, with a median of $102,700 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a chemical operator the most?
Florida, with a median of $128,800 a year.
Does a chemical operator make more in the United States or in Germany?
In the United States: $78,120 a year against $58,960 in Germany, 1.3 times more.
Who makes more, a chemical operator or a water plant operator?
A chemical operator: $78,120 a year against $68,970 for a water plant operator, 1.1 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate