Chemical Plant and System Operators Hourly Pay

Median hourly wage: $37.56

Hourly Wage Percentiles

PercentileHourly Wage
10th$23.27
25th$29.01
Median$37.56
75th$47.44
90th$53.81

Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do chemical plant and system operators make an hour?

The median hourly wage is $37.56; the mean hourly wage is $38.45.

What is the entry-level hourly pay for chemical plant and system operators?

Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $23.27 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.

What is the top hourly pay for chemical plant and system operators?

Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $53.81 per hour.