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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Operator in Virginia is $54,204 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
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 | $61,180 | $5,098 | $1,177 | $29 |
| Average | $54,204 | $4,517 | $1,042 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,750 | $4,146 | $957 | $24 |
Chemtrade - Hopewell, VA
AdvanSix - Hopewell, VA
AdvanSix - Newport News, VA
Ascent Industries Co - Danville, VA
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 | $44,080 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $54,513 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $60,114 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $91,439 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $126,843 |
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 | $70,465 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $65,044 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $62,334 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,624 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,624 | $29.0 | 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 | $61,180 | $5,098 | $1,177 | $29 |
| Average | $54,204 | $4,517 | $1,042 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,750 | $4,146 | $957 | $24 |
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.
Perdue Farms
Chesapeake, VA
Perdue Farms | Chesapeake, VA
Oilseed Process Operator. Be part of a dynamic operation that transforms raw commodities into high quality products that power our business. As an Oilseed ... more
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Xylem
Richmond, VA
Xylem | Richmond, VA
Xylem Water Solutions Job Opportunity. Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the p... more
6 Days Ago
Solenis
Suffolk, VA
Solenis | Suffolk, VA
Join Our Team & Earn a $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. The Process Operator is responsible for safely packaging finished products and filling bulk trucks in a compli... more
6 Days Ago
Darling Ingredients
Linville, VA
Darling Ingredients | Linville, VA
Process Operator. The Process Operator is responsible for the operation of the computer controlled process equipment, cooker, machinery, and evaluation of ... more
7 Days Ago
The Clorox Company
Amherst, VA
The Clorox Company | Amherst, VA
Technical Process Operator. The purpose of the Technical Process Operator role is to control, operate, and maintain multiple pieces of high-speed bag makin... more
7 Days Ago
Clorox
Amherst, VA
Clorox | Amherst, VA
Technical Process Operator (Blanket Dept.). Clorox is the place that's committed to growth for our people and our brands. Guided by our purpose and values,... more
8 Days Ago
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