Occupations/51-9011.00
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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.
Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.
AI automation risk
52%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
51%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
70%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- Mostly routine
Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- Mostly routine
Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- 02Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- 03Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- 04Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- 05Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
- 06Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.86
- Degree of automation2.88
- Time sitting2.70
- Originality (ability)2.25
- Conflict situations2.82
- Hands-on objects/tools3.66
- Outdoors / weather4.12
- Disease exposure1.60
- Decision freedom3.98
Top abilities
- Problem Sensitivity3.75
- Oral Expression3.75
- Oral Comprehension3.75
- Near Vision3.75
- Control Precision3.75
- Written Comprehension3.62
- Perceptual Speed3.50
- Multilimb Coordination3.38
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.38
- Active Listening3.38
- Writing3.00
- Speaking3.12
- Mathematics2.88
- Science2.62
- Critical Thinking3.38
- Active Learning3.00
- Learning Strategies2.75
- Monitoring3.75
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
2 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | Chemical Technology/Technician 41.0301 | $12,600 | 48% | 84% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Master's · CIP 41.03 |
Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit | Chemical Technology/Technician 41.0301 | $63,600 | 7% | 93% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Graduate certificate · CIP 41.03 |