Chemical Equipment Controllers
Description OES Code: 92935
1. Control or operate equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Typical equipment used are: Reaction kettles, catalytic converters, continuous or batch treating equipment, saturator tanks, electrolytic cells, reactor vessels, recovery units, and fermentation chambers.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.11
25th Percentile $10.33
50th Percentile $13.43
75th Percentile $18.97

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.50
25th Percentile $15.55
50th Percentile $18.66
75th Percentile $20.43

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most manufacturing of chemical products is a continual process that can’t be stopped at the end of the workday, so split shifts and weekend and evening hours are common.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 3,100
Projected Employment 2008 3,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 19.4%
Separations 1998-2008 800

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Chemical equipment controllers must feel comfortable working with dangerous chemicals. Contrary to the notion that chemical equipment controllers suffer relatively high numbers of on-the-job injuries and related illnesses, strict safety proceedures result in fewer such instances than in other sectors of manufacturing. Workers must be continually aware of the substantial risks and must wear their protective gear, which in some cases includes respiratory devices. While potentially dangerous, the work environment tends to be quite clean.

Advancement
There is substantial room for advancement for those who demonstrate responsibility. Often, the combination of on-the-job experience and formal training (provided by the employer) results in workers moving from labor positions to the highest paying labor jobs. Some may even progress into supervisory positions.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Getting The Job & Other Information
Chemical equipment controllers may find employment in the following industries: Primary nonferrous metals; Photographic equipment and supplies; Paper mills; Paperboard mills; Converted paper products; Chemicals and allied products (Industrial inorganic chemicals; Plastics materials and synthetics; Agricultural chemicals); Chemicals and allied products.

Skills & Other Requirements
Important skills for chemical equipment controllers inclued: Apply Basic Math (Arithmetic, Ratios, Proportions & Conversions); Apply Hazardous Materials Information; Apply Safe Waste Disposal Procdures; Comprehend, Apply & Communicate Technical Information; Control Operation Of Compressors; Estimate Materials For Production & Manufacturing; Follow/Give Instructions; Maintain Consistent Quality; Maintain Safe Work Environment; Operate Chemical Control Equipment; Operate Power Driven Pumps; Operate Precision Measuring Tools & Equipment In Industrial Production; Understand Properties Of Gases/Liquids In Production; Use Fire Suppression Methods In Industrial Emergencies; Use Hand Tools.

References
Oregon Labor Market Information System Occupational Information Center

Related Occupations: Chemical Equipment Tenders, Chemical Plant Operators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)