CFChooseField
Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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Median pay

$57,090
Median annual pay for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

128,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Chemistry
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Controlling Machines and Processes
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Exposed to Contaminants
  4. 4Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  5. 5Health and Safety of Other Workers
  6. 6E-Mail

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
  • Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
  • Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandSAP software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyIBM NotesOperational databases

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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