Chemical Plant and System Operators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for chemical plant and system operators in the United States was $37.56, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly 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 survey, May 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.