Chemical Manufacturing
What does the Chemical Manufacturing industry do?
What’s it like to work at a Chemical Manufacturing company?
What kinds of jobs are there in the Chemical Manufacturing industry?
How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
What does the Chemical Manufacturing industry do?
Chemicals are a critical component in manufacturing and are important to a variety of industries, such as agriculture, paper, electronics, transportation, construction and health care, including pharmaceuticals.Most chemical products are used as intermediate ingredients in other manufactured goods. For example, silicones are added to tires, glues, caulking and adhesives to provide or enhance resistance, lubrication, adhesion or viscosity.
Other chemical manufacturers directly produce and sell consumer products, including cosmetics, soaps and bleach.Whether used as an intermediate product, or produced and sold directly, chemicals are an important part of products used on a daily basis.Someone who prepares for a job in this industry would also be prepared for the following sectors:
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Performance Plastics Manufacturing
- Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing
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What’s it like to work at a Chemical Manufacturing Company?
The work environment can include substantial industrial areas involving heavy equipment operation, grinding plants, and well-lit and climate-controlled work areas where final products are tested and packaged. Physical demands include moderate to heavy lifting and standing for long periods of time.The machines are large, high-speed and powerful; many of the chemicals used in the production process are hazardous. Strict adherence to required safety standards is critical. Employees usually wear fire-retardant clothing and other protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves and steel-toed boots. Some employees may be required to wear hard hats.
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What kinds of jobs are there in the Chemical Manufacturing Industry?
Machine Operator
Minimum Education - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Starting Salary - $15-25 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $30-40 per hour
Maintenance Technician
Minimum Education -
Associate's Degree in a Technical Field or experience
Starting Salary - $25-35 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $40-50 per hour
Quality Technician
Minimum Education -
Associate's Degree in a Technical Field or experience
Starting Salary - $20-30 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $35-40 per hour
Engineering/Development Technician
Minimum Education -
Associate's Degree in a Technical Field or experience
Starting Salary - $25-35 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $40-50 per hour
Engineer
Minimum Education - Bachelor's or Masters Degree in Engineering
Starting Salary - $55,000
Higher levels in the same title - $75,000-$110,000 per year
Production Supervisor
Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree or experience
Starting Salary - $50,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $75,000-$100,000 per year
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How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
Tech Valley Companies that are part of the Nanoscale Manufacturing sector include:
General Electric (GE) Battery
Momentive Performance Materials
SABIC Innovative Plastics
For additional resources and information regarding the Chemical Manufacturing industry, click here.
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