Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
SOC Code: 51-8093Also known as:
Absorption Plant Operator, Board Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator, Control Panel Operator
Median Annual Salary
$97,540
-2.8% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
35K
Current Jobs
What Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$97,540
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
34,900
Projected Employment (2034)
34,000
Related Careers
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540 •
-6.1% growth
Gas plant operators
$83,400 •
-8.8% growth
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
$71,510 •
-1.3% growth
Wellhead pumpers
$70,010 •
-4.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers make?
The median annual salary for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is $97,540.
What education do petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers need?
Most petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers a good career choice?
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is projected to see -2.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers may also be known as: Absorption Plant Operator, Board Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator, Control Panel Operator, Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech), Crude Unit Operator, Dock Operator, Field Gauger, Fuel Distribution System Operator, Gas House Technician (Gas House Tech), Gasoline Plant Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator, Hydrovac Operator, In-House Technician (In-House Tech), Offshore Production Worker, Oil Gauger, Oil Pipeline Dispatcher, Oil Pipeline Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.