Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Also called: Petroleum Refinery Operators and Gaugers
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.
Also called: Absorption Plant Operator, Board Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator, Control Panel Operator, Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech)
Median pay
$96,710
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$57,110 – $115,880
People employed
33,160
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (42 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salary in every state →
What petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers do
- 01Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
- 02Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
- 03Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- 04Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- 05Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- 06Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators87% · −20%
- Wellhead Pumpers81% · −28%
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation77% · group pay
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers74% · −36%
- Locomotive Engineers74% · −16%
Change into petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators93% · $77,320
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers93% · $61,770
- Wellhead Pumpers91% · $69,960
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders90% · $58,040
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas86% · $58,160