Life As a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender
Position Description Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
What Do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?
- Observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.
- Read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
- Make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
- Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
- Add treating or neutralizing agents to products and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.
- Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?
Below is a list of the skills most Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders say are important on the job.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender
- Caustic Liquor Maker
- Boiling Tub Operator
- C D Reactor Operator
- Pond Tender
- Viscose Cellar Charge Hand
Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 74,100 jobs for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender. There will be an estimated 7,300 positions for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender per year.

The states with the most job growth for Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Virginia, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender
The typical yearly salary for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders is somewhere between $29,050 and $77,660.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders who work in Wyoming, West Virginia, or Louisiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $56,240 |
Arizona | $40,190 |
Arkansas | $48,950 |
California | $56,730 |
Colorado | $44,840 |
Connecticut | $46,180 |
Delaware | $60,990 |
Florida | $46,070 |
Georgia | $39,920 |
Idaho | $53,970 |
Illinois | $53,330 |
Indiana | $50,230 |
Iowa | $48,180 |
Kansas | $43,850 |
Kentucky | $53,240 |
Louisiana | $64,870 |
Maine | $41,640 |
Maryland | $48,840 |
Massachusetts | $51,380 |
Michigan | $54,470 |
Minnesota | $46,730 |
Mississippi | $55,570 |
Missouri | $42,480 |
Nebraska | $50,420 |
Nevada | $50,780 |
New Hampshire | $41,900 |
New Jersey | $49,050 |
New Mexico | $52,390 |
New York | $45,880 |
North Carolina | $46,920 |
Ohio | $47,570 |
Oklahoma | $44,730 |
Oregon | $45,270 |
Pennsylvania | $46,900 |
Rhode Island | $41,670 |
South Carolina | $47,900 |
South Dakota | $36,290 |
Tennessee | $57,150 |
Texas | $59,450 |
Utah | $39,520 |
Virginia | $41,930 |
Washington | $46,580 |
West Virginia | $63,170 |
Wisconsin | $43,800 |
Wyoming | $73,370 |
What Tools do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- SAP
- IBM Notes
Becoming a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender
What education is needed to be a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender?

Where Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Are Employed

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Chemical Equipment Operator or Tender may also be interested in:
- Segmental Pavers
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
- Log Graders and Scalers
- Hoist and Winch Operators
References:
Image Credit: NASA via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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