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Skilled Trades

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

Median salary

$57,090

Typical range

$37k – $88k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

    Entry / Junior

    $37,270

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

    Established

    $57,090

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

    Senior

    $72,775

Key skills

A typical day

  • Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
  • Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
  • Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
  • Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
  • Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.

Fields of study

Any field

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