As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Process Operator I in the United States is $60,105 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Refinery Process Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery Process Operator I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Refinery Process Operator I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Refinery Process Operator I | $59,676 |
| Intermediate Level Refinery Process Operator I | $60,337 |
| Senior Level Refinery Process Operator I | $62,151 |
| Specialist Level Refinery Process Operator I | $62,514 |
| Expert Level Refinery Process Operator I | $62,755 |
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 Process Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 10.47% |
| Work Ethic | 1.74% |
| Sustainability | 0.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scheduling
|
$64,312 |
7%
|
|
Marketing Systems
|
$64,312 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$64,312 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$62,509 |
4%
|
|
Business Model
|
$62,509 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$61,908 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Refinery Process Operator I'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 January 01, 2026For a Refinery Process Operator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Refinery Operator role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $70,900 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Refinery Process Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,352 in 2023 to around $69,435 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Refinery Process Operator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $70,352 |
| 2024 | $70,042 |
| 2025 | $69,435 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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