Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary in Iowa
Chemical Plant and System Operators in Iowa earn a median of $60,440 a year, −23% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $60,440
- vs. U.S. median
- −23% ($78,120)
- Rank among states
- 29 of 35
- Jobs in the state
- 490
Pay range in Iowa
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,220; the top 10% earn over $65,850. Nationally the range is $48,400 to $111,930.
States ranked near Iowa
Similar jobs in Iowa
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$57,550 median in Iowa
- Biomass Plant Technicians$100,500 median in Iowa (broader BLS group)
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$90,160 median in Iowa
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$67,450 median in Iowa
- Biofuels Processing Technicians$75,800 median in Iowa (broader BLS group)
- Power Plant Operators$100,500 median in Iowa
Chemical Plant and System Operators pay in Iowa
How much do chemical plant and system operators make in Iowa?
The median is $60,440 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,220 and the top 10% earn over $65,850. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Iowa a good state for chemical plant and system operators?
On pay alone it ranks 29 of 35 (−23% vs. the national median of $78,120). Living costs are not included.