Career Definition of a Process Operator
Process operators are involved in the production of goods or overseeing the processing of materials. Those who work in production may help make things such as biodiesel or titanium sponge. Other things process operators make include laundry products and cleaning solutions. Their duties may vary based on the specific things they produce but typically include moving materials, operating machinery and tools, measuring and mixing ingredients, packaging products and maintaining records.
Process operators who work in processing may be involved with water and wastewater treatment or work as chemical plant and system operators. It's common for process operators to work with chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials as part of their regular duties. Their responsibilities can include measuring chemicals or other ingredients, testing samples of materials, operating machines and inspecting equipment.
| Educational Requirements | High school diploma or GED |
| Job Skills | Mathematical skills, mechanical skills, communication skills, safety-conscious nature, physical fitness, comfortable working at heights, teamwork skills, computer skills |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $49,090 (water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators); $65,960 (chemical plant and system operators) |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)* | -1% or lower (water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators); little or no change (chemical plant and system operators) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
In order to qualify as a process operator, it is necessary to have a high school diploma or GED. Process operators do not need postsecondary training, although some form of vocational training may be an asset. Training on computers may also help those seeking work in this field. Some employers may prefer to hire those with previous manufacturing experience, though on-the-job training may also be provided for these positions.
Required Skills
Process operators may be required to work at heights and lift materials regularly, so they need to be able to demonstrate physical fitness to work in this field. Basic mathematical skills can be important, since process operators may need to precisely measure things like chemicals. Since it's common for process operators to work with hazardous materials, it is very important that they are careful and follow safety protocols. Process operators also work with tools and mechanical equipment, so they need mechanical skills.
Career and Salary Outlook
Process operators are not listed separately by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Part of the reason is because there are so many different fields that process operators can work in. For example, the BLS reported that those who work in water and wastewater treatment could anticipate job decline of 1% from 2020 to 2030, while those who work as chemical plant and systems operators were expected to see little or no change also during the same time period. The BLS reported that, in 2020, chemical plant and systems operators earned a median income of $65,960 per year. This was higher than the median annual salary of $49,090 the BLS reported for those in water and wastewater treatment.
Related Careers
Process operators may work with different substances or have different objectives, but they all work with machinery. Those who are considering a career as a process operator may want to explore the links provided here to learn more about some other jobs that involve working with machinery. Like process operators, heavy equipment operators, communications equipment operators and boiler operators can all enter their field with a high school diploma or GED and learn their profession through on-the-job training.
