ANZSCO 399211
Chemical Plant Operator
General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.
About this occupation
ANZSCO 2022Controls the operation of chemical production plant.
Specialisations
- Chemicals Distiller
- Chemicals Fermentation Operator
- Industrial Gas Production Operator
- Paint Maker
- Pharmaceutical Plant Operator
- Pilot Plant Operator
Unit group 3992
Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators
Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators control the operation of chemical production equipment, pump gas and oil from wellheads, refine and process petroleum products, and operate boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power.
Indicative skill level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia
- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
In New Zealand
- NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Tasks include
- Controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt
- Controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
- Patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
- Analysing samples and readings and recording test data
- Controlling records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
- Checking equipment for malfunctions
Show all 12 tasks
- Inspecting, repairing, servicing and maintaining equipment
- Operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
- Monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
- Authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
- Writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
- Carrying out routine operating tests
Occupations in this unit group
- 399211 Chemical Plant OperatorThis occupation
- 399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator
- 399213 Power Generation Plant Operator
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.
ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)
Title in this edition: Chemical Plant Operator, skill level 3
- Major group
- 3 Technicians and Trades Workers
- Sub-major group
- 39 Other Technicians and Trades Workers
- Minor group
- 399 Miscellaneous Technicians and Trades Workers
- Unit group
- 3992 Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators
The title and groups are the same in ANZSCO 2013 v1.2 and ANZSCO 2022.
Occupation Shortage List (2026)
- National rating
- No Shortage
- Confidence
- On-balance
- Rated on
- ANZSCO 2022
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.
Possible visa options
Visas that Chemical Plant Operator may be eligible for through its skilled list placement. Being on a list is one requirement; each visa has others (points, age, English, nomination or sponsorship).
| Visa | Stay | MLTSSL | STSOL | ROL | CSOL | Instrument |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) - Employer sponsored stream | Temporary (5 years) | Not on MLTSSL | STSOL not used for this visa | On ROL | CSOL not used for this visa | LIN 19/219, s 5(1) |
| Skills in Demand (subclass 482) - Core Skills stream | Temporary (Up to 4 years) | MLTSSL not used for this visa | STSOL not used for this visa | ROL not used for this visa | On CSOL | LIN 24/089, s 6(3) |
| Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) - Direct Entry Pathway | Permanent | MLTSSL not used for this visa | STSOL not used for this visa | ROL not used for this visa | On CSOL | LIN 24/093, s 7(1) |
✓ the occupation is on a list this visa uses · ✗ this visa uses the list but the occupation is not on it · — the visa does not use this list. Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, visa pages, CC BY 3.0 AU.
Average salary, May 2025
Unit group 3992 Chemical, gas, petroleum and power generation plant operators (ANZSCO 2022). all employees, Average weekly total cash earnings.
| Average weekly earnings | Average age | |
|---|---|---|
| All employees | $3,192.90 | 47.3 |
| Males | $3,190.40 | 47.3 |
| Females | $3,226.30 | 46.3 |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025: data cube 63060DO011_202505 (Table 1), released 23 January 2026. CC BY 4.0.
Continue in the TopRate app
State / Territory for Chemical Plant Operator is in the app
Download the free TopRate app and sign in to read this section, and every other occupation detail, on your phone.
Scan to get the appContinue in the TopRate app
State details for Chemical Plant Operator is in the app
Download the free TopRate app and sign in to read this section, and every other occupation detail, on your phone.
Scan to get the appContinue in the TopRate app
DAMA for Chemical Plant Operator is in the app
Download the free TopRate app and sign in to read this section, and every other occupation detail, on your phone.
Scan to get the appSource: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation