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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Equipment Operator in Illinois is $54,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Chemical Process Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemical Process Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,600 | $5,217 | $1,204 | $30 |
| Average | $54,800 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,700 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
Kelly Services, Inc. - Wilmington, IL
Lacamas Laboratories - PORTLAND, OR
Clean Harbors - LATONIA, KY
Clean Harbors - BELLEVUE, KY
A Chemical Process Equipment Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Process Equipment Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Process Equipment Operator I | 0-1 years | $44,300 |
| Chemical Process Equipment Operator | 1-3 years | $54,784 |
| Chemical Process Equipment Operator III | 3-5 years | $60,413 |
| Chemical Process Equipment Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $91,894 |
| Chemical Process Equipment Operations Manager | 5+ years | $127,475 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chemical Process Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Chemical Process Equipment Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,894. While startup companies pay approximate $52,379.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,379 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,389 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,777 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,894 |
For Chemical Process Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Equipment Operator positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $71,240 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $65,760 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $63,020 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $60,280 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,280 | $29.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chemical Process Equipment Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $62,600 | $5,217 | $1,204 | $30 |
| Average | $54,800 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,700 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Chemical Process Equipment Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Process Equipment Operator III | $60,500 | 10% |
| Mine Supervisor | $87,500 | 60% |
| Plant Operations Superintendent | $124,800 | 128% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Process Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Clean Harbors
LUDLOW, KY
Clean Harbors | LUDLOW, KY
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
5 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
DAYTON, KY
Clean Harbors | DAYTON, KY
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
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Clean Harbors
CINCINNATI AIRPORT, OH
Clean Harbors | CINCINNATI AIRPORT, OH
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
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Clean Harbors
CORRYVILLE, OH
Clean Harbors | CORRYVILLE, OH
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
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Clean Harbors
GOLF MANOR, OH
Clean Harbors | GOLF MANOR, OH
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
5 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
CUMMINSVILLE, OH
Clean Harbors | CUMMINSVILLE, OH
Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services, seeks a CDL Equipment Operator to join our Transportatio... more
5 Days Ago
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