As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Operator in the United States is $70,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Refinery Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Refinery Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Refinery Operator | 0-1 years | $60,119 |
| Refinery Operator | 1-3 years | $70,838 |
| Oil Refinery Operator III | 3-5 years | $85,069 |
| Oil Refinery Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $114,629 |
| Oil Refinery Operations Manager | 5+ years | $150,174 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Refinery Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.52% |
| Work Ethic | 2.38% |
| Mechanical Aptitude | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scheduling
|
$101,387 |
43%
|
|
Commitment
|
$84,371 |
19%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$82,244 |
16%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$76,572 |
8%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$75,154 |
6%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$74,445 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Refinery Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Refinery Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,596 and $72,204).
Refinery Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 36.4% |
| High School | 36.4% |
| Associates | 27.3% |
| Bachelors | 27.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 9.1% |
Understanding how a Refinery Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on February 01, 2026For a Refinery Operator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Oil Refinery Operator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,100 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Refinery Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,388 in 2023 to around $74,834 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Refinery Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $75,388 |
| 2024 | $75,489 |
| 2025 | $74,834 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, specialized roles like a Refinery Senior Operator also offer competitive salaries. The salary range for this position is between $66,100 and $80,500, with a mid-salary of $72,300. These professionals play a crucial role in managing refinery operations and ensuring safety and efficiency.
The highest paid Refinery Senior Operators earn a maximum salary of $80,500. In comparison, the average salaries for Equipment Operators in top-paying states are significantly higher, with New Jersey leading at $89,040. This highlights the variation in pay across different roles and locations within the industry.
The highest-paying job in oil and gas varies, but a Refinery Senior Operator earns between $66,100 and $80,500, with a mid-salary of $72,300. Other high-paying roles include Chief Operating Officer (COO) averaging $832,181 and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at $439,441, showcasing the lucrative opportunities in the industry.
Process operators can earn competitive salaries, with a range for Refinery Senior Operators between $66,100 and $80,500 annually. Cities like Beaumont, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA, offer some of the highest hourly rates, reflecting the demand for skilled operators in the industry. Overall, salaries vary significantly based on location and experience.
The highest salary for a Refinery Senior Operator is $80,500 per year. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $66,100 to a midpoint of $72,300, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.
Being a refinery senior operator can be a rewarding career, especially considering the salary range. With a minimum salary of $66,100, a mid-range of $72,300, and a maximum of $80,500, it offers competitive pay without the burden of college debt. The demand for skilled operators ensures job stability and growth opportunities in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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