Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary in California
Chemical Plant and System Operators in California earn a median of $87,550 a year, +12% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $87,550
- vs. U.S. median
- +12% ($78,120)
- Rank among states
- 9 of 35
- Jobs in the state
- 780
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $73,900; the top 10% earn over $111,930. Nationally the range is $48,400 to $111,930.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$58,300 median in California
- Biomass Plant Technicians$105,210 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$103,250 median in California
- Nuclear Technicians$99,270 median in California
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$90,650 median in California
- Biofuels Processing Technicians$78,020 median in California (broader BLS group)
Chemical Plant and System Operators pay in California
How much do chemical plant and system operators make in California?
The median is $87,550 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $73,900 and the top 10% earn over $111,930. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for chemical plant and system operators?
On pay alone it ranks 9 of 35 (+12% vs. the national median of $78,120). Living costs are not included.