Chemical equipment operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9011
Chemical equipment operators and tenders carries a 21% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,090 and +3.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 128,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 21% AI exposure, Chemical equipment operators and tenders sits 16 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 8% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Chemical equipment operators and tenders sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders has ai exposure of 21%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Chemical equipment operators and tenders is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Chemical equipment operators and tenders (SOC 51-9011) carries an AI exposure score of 21%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 128,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $57,090, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Chemical equipment operators and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- 2. Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- 3. Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- 4. Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- 5. Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
- 6. Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- 7. Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- 8. Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
- 9. Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- 10. Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Chemical equipment operators and tenders?
Chemical equipment operators and tenders has an AI exposure score of 21%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Chemical equipment operators and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Chemical equipment operators and tenders is projected to grow by 3.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 128,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Chemical equipment operators and tenders?
Key skills for Chemical equipment operators and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Chemical equipment operators and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Chemical equipment operators and tenders is $57,090, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Chemical equipment operators and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Chemical equipment operators and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Chemical equipment operators and tenders?
Chemical equipment operators and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).