How to become a chemical plant machine operator
Official title: Chemical plant machine operators
Also called: Plodder operator, Hydrator operator, Batch still operator, Ring furnace operator, Tower operator - soap, Electrode oven operator, Viscose filter operator, Acidulation plant tender, Capsule machine operator, Acetylene plant attendant, Backing-in machine tender, Phenol extractor operator
Chemical plant machine operators monitor and operate units and machinery to blend, mix, process and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and toiletry products. They are primarily employed in chemical, cleaning compound, ink and adhesive industries, but may also be employed by chemical processing departments in other industries.
Main tasks
- Monitor meters, gauges and electronic instrumentation on one or more chemical processing or formulation units, such as mixers, kettles, blenders, dryers, tabletting, encapsulation, granulation and coating machines
- Measure, weigh and load chemical ingredients following formulation cards
- Start up, shut down, troubleshoot and clean equipment
- Adjust processing machines and equipment
- Monitor reaction processes and transfers of products in conformance with safety procedures
- Take samples and perform routine chemical and physical tests of products
- Record production data
- May operate equipment from a control room or from control consoles located near the production units
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of several weeks of on-the-job training or informal/formal company training is usually required. Completion of additional training may be required for some operators working in pharmaceutical, explosives and agricultural chemical or in specialty chemical plants. Previous experience in chemical products processing as an assistant, labourer or helper may be required for some occupations in this unit group. Certification in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), forklift operator certification, first aid, firefighting, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and other health and safety training may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $49,686 a year The middle half earn $40,950 to $65,442.
- About 14,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,300 are projected by 2033. (+6.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a chemical plant machine operator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of several weeks of on-the-job training or informal/formal company training is usually required. Completion of additional training may be required for some operators working in pharmaceutical, explosives and agricultural chemical or in specialty chemical plants. Previous experience in chemical products processing as an assistant, labourer or helper may be required for some occupations in this unit group. Certification in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG), forklift operator certification, first aid, firefighting, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and other health and safety training may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
How much does a chemical plant machine operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $49,686 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $40,950 to $65,442.
Is a chemical plant machine operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 14,400 to about 15,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a chemical plant machine operator?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03