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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Operator in Washington is $58,365 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
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 | $65,876 | $5,490 | $1,267 | $32 |
| Average | $58,365 | $4,864 | $1,122 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,569 | $4,464 | $1,030 | $26 |
TERRA Staffing Group - Sultan, WA
Verstela - Sultan, WA
Verstela - Bothell, WA
TERRA Staffing Group - Bothell, WA
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 | $47,464 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $58,697 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $64,728 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $98,458 |
| Chemical ... Level Chemical Process Operator | $136,580 |
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 | $75,874 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $70,037 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $67,119 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $64,201 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $64,201 | $31.0 | 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 | $65,876 | $5,490 | $1,267 | $32 |
| Average | $58,365 | $4,864 | $1,122 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,569 | $4,464 | $1,030 | $26 |
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.
Piping Rock Health Products
Vancouver, WA
Piping Rock Health Products | Vancouver, WA
Process Operator. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for operating and maintaining cooking and depositing equipment used in the manufa... more
8 Days Ago
SunOpta
Omak, WA
SunOpta | Omak, WA
Process Machine Operator IThe Process Machine Operator I (PMO I) is an entry-level skilled operator role responsible for the safe and efficient operation o... more
9 Days Ago
Romac Industries
Bothell, WA
Romac Industries | Bothell, WA
Process Machine Operator I (Graveyard Shift)Start your career as a Process Machine Operator at Romac Industries. This role is ideal for someone who values ... more
9 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
DIETERICH, IL
Stevens Industries | DIETERICH, IL
Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemical Process Engineer to join our team as the Quality Control Manager for our lam... more
7 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
GAYS, IL
Stevens Industries | GAYS, IL
Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemical Process Engineer to join our team as the Quality Control Manager for our lam... more
7 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
CASEY, IL
Stevens Industries | CASEY, IL
Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemical Process Engineer to join our team as the Quality Control Manager for our lam... more
7 Days Ago
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