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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Plant Operator in Washington is $61,702 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Chemical Plant Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemical Plant Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,782 | $5,899 | $1,361 | $34 |
| Average | $61,702 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,485 | $4,707 | $1,086 | $27 |
bp - Graham, WA
Central Manufacturing, Inc. - Wenatchee, WA
Heidelberg Materials - Everett, WA
01608 HM Pacific Northwest, Inc. - Everett, WA
A Chemical Plant 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 Plant 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Plant Operator | $48,364 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Plant Operator | $59,811 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Plant Operator | $65,956 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Plant Operator | $100,325 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Plant Operator | $139,170 |
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 Plant 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:
For Chemical Plant 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 Plant Operator positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Plant Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $80,213 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $74,043 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $70,958 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,873 | $33.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $67,873 | $33.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chemical Plant 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 | $70,782 | $5,899 | $1,361 | $34 |
| Average | $61,702 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,485 | $4,707 | $1,086 | $27 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Plant Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Adm
Spokane, WA
Adm | Spokane, WA
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Government Jobs
Pasco, WA
Government Jobs | Pasco, WA
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01602 HM Pacific Northwest, Inc.
Monroe, WA
01602 HM Pacific Northwest, Inc. | Monroe, WA
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Trident Seafoods
Everett, WA
Trident Seafoods | Everett, WA
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US Department of Defense
Tacoma, WA
US Department of Defense | Tacoma, WA
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Republic, WA
Kinross Gold Corporation | Republic, WA
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