Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $81,540 +42.8% vs national
Median hourly $39.20
10th percentile $36,880
90th percentile $105,900
Employed locally 6,930
National median $57,090

Compare Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary & buying power

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Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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Houston, TX
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    In Houston, TX, Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $81,540, which translates to approximately $39.20 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $57,090 annually. When compared to the local area's median household income of $80,458, the earnings for these workers are quite comparable. The proximity of their median salary to the local median household income suggests that Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in Houston have a financial standing closely aligned with the average household in the region.

    Entry-level Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in Houston earn around $36,880 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile mark, while those at the 25th percentile see earnings of approximately $46,170. In contrast, experienced workers who are near or beyond the 75th percentile can expect to make as much as $104,040 yearly, with top earners reaching up to $105,900 at the 90th percentile. The substantial difference in pay between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by a combination of factors including accumulated skills, expertise, years of experience, and potentially additional certifications or specializations within the field. As operators gain proficiency and handle more complex equipment over time, their value to employers increases, leading to higher compensation levels.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,880
    25th
    $46,170
    50th (median)
    $81,540
    75th
    $104,040
    90th
    $105,900

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary vs area income 101% Median Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary is 1% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders make per hour in Houston?

    The median hourly wage for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in Houston, TX is $39.20, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $51.07 or more per hour.

    Is Houston above or below average for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salaries?

    The median Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders salary in Houston, TX is 42.8% above the national median of $57,090. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders in Houston?

    Entry-level Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (10th percentile) earn around $36,880 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,170.