How much does a process operator make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $7,501 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $5,990
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.7 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 143 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 | $120,800 |
| 2. Australia | $102,700 |
| 3. Iceland estimate | $98,120 |
| 5. Luxembourg estimate | $93,960 |
| 6. United States | $90,010 |
| 7. Norway estimate | $89,080 |
| 143. Malawi estimate | $524 |
Similar jobs
Technicians and associate professionals
- Power plant operator$79,440
- Water plant operator$68,970
- Chemical operator$78,120
- Metal furnace operator$54,430
- Pulp control worker$68,120
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| Alaska | $112,900 |
| Massachusetts | $103,800 |
| Illinois | $100,900 |
| Minnesota | $98,780 |
| California | $96,920 |
| Kansas | $96,620 |
| Louisiana | $96,410 |
| Arkansas | $95,800 |
| Hawaii | $94,900 |
| Maryland | $94,830 |
See all 47 states
| Colorado | $94,460 |
| Washington | $94,290 |
| North Dakota | $94,230 |
| Michigan | $94,130 |
| Utah | $93,780 |
| Montana | $93,360 |
| Iowa | $92,610 |
| New Jersey | $92,530 |
| Ohio | $92,040 |
| Wyoming | $88,650 |
| South Dakota | $87,200 |
| Oklahoma | $86,460 |
| New Mexico | $81,540 |
| Nebraska | $81,390 |
| Texas | $80,440 |
| Arizona | $79,550 |
| Connecticut | $79,280 |
| West Virginia | $78,810 |
| Missouri | $78,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,010 |
| Wisconsin | $76,510 |
| Mississippi | $76,150 |
| Indiana | $74,610 |
| Virginia | $73,710 |
| Tennessee | $73,510 |
| Kentucky | $72,880 |
| Idaho | $72,130 |
| New York | $71,310 |
| North Carolina | $71,010 |
| New Hampshire | $70,050 |
| Maine | $68,920 |
| South Carolina | $65,700 |
| Alabama | $65,090 |
| Georgia | $64,550 |
| Florida | $61,330 |
| Oregon | $59,700 |
| Nevada | $58,720 |
Jobs in this group in the United States
Official name of each one and its median salary a year.
| Petroleum Pump System Operator | $96,710 |
| Gas Plant Operator | $87,820 |
| Pump Operator | $61,770 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operator | $77,320 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a process operator make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $7,501 a month, $90,010 a year.
How much does a process operator make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $56,300 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $112,800.
Which country pays a process operator the most?
Switzerland, with a median of $120,800 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a process operator the most?
Alaska, with a median of $112,900 a year.
Does a process operator make more in the United States or in Germany?
In Germany: $94,940 a year against $90,010 in the United States, 1.1 times more.
Who makes more, a process operator or a power plant operator?
A process operator: $90,010 a year against $79,440 for a power plant operator, 1.1 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate