Chemical Plant and System Operators
SOC Code: 51-8091
Chemical Plant and System Operatorss monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 65.3/100, this role has moderate resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.
AI-Proof Score: 65.3 — High
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Median Salary
$73,540
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Job Growth
-6.1%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Operation and Control
- •Monitoring
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Active Listening
- •Critical Thinking
- •Quality Control Analysis
Common Tasks
- ✓Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
- ✓Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
- ✓Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
- ✓Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
- ✓Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation