As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Process Operator II in the United States is $70,842 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Refinery Process Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery Process Operator II'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 II'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 | $60,130 |
| Refinery Process Operator II | 1-3 years | $70,852 |
| Oil Refinery Operator III | 3-5 years | $85,104 |
| Oil Refinery Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $114,634 |
| Oil Refinery Operations Manager | 5+ years | $150,229 |
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 IIs. 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
|
$101,304 |
43%
|
|
Commitment
|
$84,302 |
19%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$82,177 |
16%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$76,509 |
8%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$75,093 |
6%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$74,384 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Refinery Process Operator II'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 April 01, 2026For a Refinery Process Operator II, 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 $85,200 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Refinery Process Operator II 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 Process Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $75,388 |
| 2024 | $75,489 |
| 2025 | $74,834 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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