How to become a Chemical Plant Worker
Performs routine tasks in a chemical processing plant, such as delivering materials to processing areas, dumping ingredients into hoppers, filling and fastening covers on containers, and attaching labels and information on products.
Main tasks
- Transports and delivers chemical substances to designated processing areas within the plant
- Dumps ingredients into hoppers to ensure accuracy and timeliness for chemical processes
- Fills and fastens covers on containers, such as paint tins, to avoid spills and contamination
- Affixes labels and information on products to ensure proper handling
- Assist technicians and machine operators with the chemical manufacturing processes
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Process Plant Operations (PMA30120); Certificate II in Process Plant Operations (PMA20116); Certificate II in Process Manufacturing (MSM20116); Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSM30116); Certificate I in Process Manufacturing (MSM10116)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $78,988 a year
- About 12,400 people work in this job group now, and about 12,900 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Cement and Concrete Plant Worker
- Fabric and Textile Factory Worker
- Glass Processing Worker
- Metal Engineering Process Worker
- Paper and Pulp Process Worker
- Plastics Factory Worker
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chemical Plant Worker?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Process Plant Operations; Certificate II in Process Plant Operations.
How much does a Chemical Plant Worker earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $78,988 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Chemical Plant Worker a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 12,400 to about 12,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Chemical Plant Worker?
Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Process Plant Operations; Certificate II in Process Plant Operations.
Will AI change the work of a Chemical Plant Worker?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04