Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
SOC Code: 51-9011 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | $61,131 | $75,816 | $90,480 | $105,165 |
| Hammond, LA | $56,826 | $71,323 | $85,821 | $100,318 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $56,222 | $70,803 | $85,384 | $99,965 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $50,003 | $66,518 | $83,013 | $99,528 |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area | $52,395 | $68,078 | $83,782 | $99,466 |
| Casper, WY | $58,906 | $72,259 | $85,592 | $98,946 |
| Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $58,906 | $72,259 | $85,592 | $98,946 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $55,328 | $68,786 | $82,264 | $95,722 |
| Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $57,054 | $69,597 | $82,139 | $94,682 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $57,117 | $69,368 | $81,619 | $93,870 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.9 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.9 | |
| Monitoring | 3.8 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 4.5 |
| Chemistry | 4.4 |
| Mechanical | 4.1 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.7 |
| English Language | 3.7 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.5 |
| Mathematics | 3.5 |
| Law and Government | 3.3 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 48.8% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 20.6% |
| Some college | 13.5% |
| Associate's degree | 13.5% |
| Less than high school | 1.8% |
| Bachelor's degree | 1.8% |
Typical Tasks
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software IBM Notes Operational databases
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