How to become a Chemical Production Machine Operator
Operates machines to produce chemical goods such as soaps, detergents, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and explosives.
Main tasks
- Sets up and prepares machines to produce chemical goods
- Measures the ingredients used in chemical products to be mixed and blended
- Operates crushing machines or mills to grind and pulverise solid chemicals and other materials to a specified size suitable for processing
- Monitors the removal of the ground product from machines, and inspects and tests samples of products for quality and consistency
- Performs regular checks and basic maintenance on processing machines, and reports any faults
- Follows safety procedures and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment
- Records production data and maintains production logs
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (FBP30822); Certificate III in Process Plant Operations (PMA30120); Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology (PMA40116); Diploma of Process Plant Technology (PMA50116); Certificate II in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (FBP20418); Certificate II in Process Manufacturing (MSM20116); Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSM30116); Certificate IV in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (FBP40522)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $80,808 a year
- About 13,600 people work in this job group now, and about 14,900 are projected by 2035. (+9%)
- 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
- Clay Products Machine Operator
- Concrete Products Machine Operator
- Crushing Machine Operator
- Glass Production Machine Operator
- Photographic Print Processor
- Sterilisation Technician
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chemical Production Machine Operator?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing; Certificate III in Process Plant Operations.
How much does a Chemical Production Machine Operator earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,808 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Chemical Production Machine Operator a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 13,600 to about 14,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Chemical Production Machine Operator?
Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing; Certificate III in Process Plant Operations.
Will AI change the work of a Chemical Production Machine Operator?
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