Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operator, and Gauger Salary & Career Guide 2025
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers earn a median annual salary of $96,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $57,110 at the 10th percentile to $115,880 at the 90th. With about 33,160 jobs nationally, these workers are essential to moving and processing crude oil and refined products. But the occupation is shrinking: BLS projects a 2.8% decline from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,200 openings per year due to replacement needs.
How much Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earn
The mean annual wage is $90,630, which works out to roughly $46 per hour. Half of all operators earn between about $57,110 and $115,880. Entry-level positions typically start near the 10th-percentile figure, while experienced workers in top-paying roles approach or exceed the 90th percentile.
Pay by state
Alaska pays the most, with an average annual wage of $124,530. Louisiana follows at $106,640, then Utah ($105,980), Ohio ($105,150), and New Jersey ($104,540). On the lower end, South Carolina averages $58,160, Georgia $57,180, and Connecticut $56,880.
How to become Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gauger
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many operators start as helpers or trainees, learning on the job under experienced workers. Some complete a technical certificate or associate degree in process technology or a related field. Licensing is not universally required, but many refineries require operators to earn a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration. Safety training and certification in hazardous materials handling are common.
Typical steps include:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions such as process technician or operator trainee at refineries or pipeline companies.
- Complete on-the-job training, which can last several months to a year.
- Obtain a TWIC and any required state or federal safety certifications.
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in process technology from a community college or technical school.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 2.8% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of roughly 900 jobs. Despite the decline, about 3,200 openings per year will arise from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Most new jobs will be in states with heavy refining and pipeline activity, such as Texas, Louisiana, and California. Automation and efficiency improvements are reducing the need for manual operation, but replacement demand keeps the occupation viable for new entrants.
Frequently asked questions
What education do you need to become a petroleum pump system operator?
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement. Many employers prefer or require an associate degree in process technology or a related field. On-the-job training is standard.
Is the demand for petroleum pump system operators growing?
No. The BLS projects a 2.8% decline from 2024 to 2034. However, about 3,200 openings per year will occur due to retirements and turnover.
Which state pays petroleum pump system operators the most?
Alaska, with an average annual wage of $124,530. Louisiana, Utah, Ohio, and New Jersey also pay above $104,000.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers data.