Chemical Process Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chemical Process Technology equips students with the scientific foundation and hands-on expertise needed to manage and optimize industrial chemical operations across high-demand sectors. This program emphasizes the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of complex processing systems in environments ranging from petrochemical refineries to pharmaceutical production facilities.
- Mathematics and Applied Sciences: Develops quantitative reasoning through algebra, calculus, and applied statistics, essential for modeling and analyzing chemical systems.
- Chemistry and Material Behavior: Explores the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and the physical properties of substances under varying process conditions.
- Physics and Thermodynamics: Applies fundamental laws of energy transfer, fluid dynamics, and heat exchange to understand and predict system performance.
- Process Plant Operations: Trains in the day-to-day running of large-scale chemical and refining units, including startup, shutdown, and continuous monitoring procedures.
- Instrumentation and Control Systems: Covers the use of sensors, automated controls, and process monitoring tools to maintain precision and stability in real-time operations.
- Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance: Instills best practices in hazard identification, risk mitigation, emergency response, and regulatory adherence to protect personnel and ecosystems.
- Computer Applications in Process Technology: Integrates software tools for simulation, data analysis, and digital process management used in modern industrial settings.
- Industry-Specific Applications: Provides targeted knowledge in sectors including chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical production, and wastewater treatment systems.
- Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Builds analytical skills to diagnose equipment malfunctions, process deviations, and inefficiencies in real-world operational scenarios.
Chemical Process Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chemical Process Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chemical Process Technology degrees, including Chemical Plant and System Operators, Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other and Chemical Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 282,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Plant and System Operators 51-8091 | $73,540 | $48,000 - $107,790 | 17,840 | $35.35 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 19-4099 | $60,130 | $37,310 - $101,870 | 71,400 | $28.91 |
| Chemical Technicians 19-4031 | $57,790 | $39,030 - $90,990 | 55,640 | $27.78 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders 51-9011 | $57,090 | $37,270 - $88,460 | 127,410 | $27.45 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 19-4043 | $48,390 | $32,830 - $92,210 | 9,710 | $23.27 |
Chemical Process Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,243 in South Dakota to $71,678 in Louisiana—a 49% difference. The highest-paying states include Louisiana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 282,000 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Chemical Process Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Chemical Process Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Chemical Process Technology is found at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) (15 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (15 graduates), BridgeValley Community & Technical College (BVCTC) (13 graduates), Chattanooga State Community College (9 graduates), and Olney Central College (OCC) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 74 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Kansas City, Kansas | Public | kckcc.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Associate's
|
15 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| BridgeValley Community & Technical College (BVCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | South Charleston, West Virginia | Public | bridgevalley.edu |
| Chattanooga State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
9 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | chattanoogastate.edu |
| Olney Central College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Olney, Illinois | Public | iecc.edu |
| Lamar State College (LSCPA) |
Other Award
|
7 | Port Arthur, Texas | Public | lamarpa.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Master's
|
3 | Houston, Texas | Private | stthom.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chemical Process Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Chemical Process Technology degree?
Salaries for Chemical Process Technology graduates vary by role and location. Chemical Plant and System Operators earn a median of $73,540 annually, while Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other earn around $60,130. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Louisiana average $71,678 compared to $48,243 in South Dakota. Approximately 282,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Chemical Process Technology programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Chemical Process Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) (15 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (15 graduates), and BridgeValley Community & Technical College (BVCTC) (13 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Chemical Process Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Chemical Plant and System Operators, Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other, and Chemical Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 282,000 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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