Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $96,710/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -2.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 3,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
• Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
• Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
• Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
• Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
• Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
• Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
• Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
What's the median pay for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
The median pay for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers is $96,710 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Employment for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers is projected to change -2.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
About 3,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.