What is the salary of a Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?

The typical salary range is $68,278 - $136,556 per year.

Supply Chain & ProductionStable

Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Operational-level

Also known as: Absorption Plant Operator, Board Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.

Petroleum RefiningOil & Gas OperationsProcess ControlPipeline OperationsIndustrial OperationsChemical EngineeringEnergyOil and GasManufacturingProduction

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-1.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

32,900

in 2025 → 32,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Opérateur d'usine débutant
Technicien de procédé junior
Manutentionnaire industriel

Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Where it can lead

Superviseur de raffinerie
Gestionnaire des opérations d'usine
Ingénieur de procédé (avec formation complémentaire)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly automate routine monitoring and control tasks in refineries, using advanced sensors and algorithms for predictive maintenance and optimized flow. Operators will shift towards overseeing autonomous systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and analyzing data insights. The role will require more analytical skills and less manual intervention.

Salary

$96,710

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position