CAREER
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$78,840
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-0.5% (little or no change)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
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.
Other Job Titles Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers May Have
Board Operator, Crude Unit Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator, Outside Operator, Pumper, Refinery Operator, Stillman, Unit Operator
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (35%)
High school diploma or equivalent
35%
Some college, no degree
35%
Associate's degree
11%
Other*
20%
*All other responses combined for clarity.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
