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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Operator in Tennessee is $50,301 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Chemical Process Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemical Process Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $56,775 | $4,731 | $1,092 | $27 |
| Average | $50,301 | $4,192 | $967 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,168 | $3,847 | $888 | $22 |
USALCO - Chattanooga, TN
Draslovka - Memphis, TN
Koppers Inc. - Millington, TN
Innophos - Nashville, TN
A Chemical Process 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 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 Process Operator | $40,907 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $50,588 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $55,786 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $84,856 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $117,711 |
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 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 Process 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 Operator positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $65,392 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $60,361 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $57,846 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $55,331 | $27.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $55,331 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chemical Process 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 | $56,775 | $4,731 | $1,092 | $27 |
| Average | $50,301 | $4,192 | $967 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,168 | $3,847 | $888 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Process Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.
Chattanooga, TN
Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. | Chattanooga, TN
Job Title. Process Operator. Job Description. At NPAA, we believe our employees are our greatest strength. We are proud to offer a generous and competitive... more
6 Days Ago
AOC
Collierville, TN
AOC | Collierville, TN
Process Operator 1. Set up and operate mix tanks, thin tanks, storage tanks, hockmeyer, process pumps, filters and other equipment used to formulate finish... more
6 Days Ago
Process Engineering Associates, LLC
Oak Ridge, TN
Process Engineering Associates, LLC | Oak Ridge, TN
Job Description. Job Description. OVERVIEW PROCESS is currently seeking one individual for the position of Senior Energetics Materials Process Lead Enginee... more
8 Days Ago
Umicore
Antioch, TN
Umicore | Antioch, TN
Imagine What You Can Do. Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new... more
8 Days Ago
Kerry Group
Crossville, TN
Kerry Group | Crossville, TN
Kerry. Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers t... more
9 Days Ago
BWX Technologies
Erwin, TN
BWX Technologies | Erwin, TN
Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) is a division of BWX Technologies. At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based... more
8 Days Ago
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