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Refinery Operations Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Refinery Operations Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Operations Manager in the United States is $150,322 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.

However, a Refinery Operations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $163,428
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $144,067 to $157,182
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,372
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Refinery Operations Manager Salaries

A Refinery Operations Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Refinery Operations Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Refinery Operations Manager'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $147,988
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $148,268
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $149,202
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $150,322
  • Expert (over 8 years): $152,063
Levels Salary
Entry Level Refinery Operations Manager$147,988
Intermediate Level Refinery Operations Manager$148,268
Senior Level Refinery Operations Manager$149,202
Specialist Level Refinery Operations Manager$150,322
Expert Level Refinery Operations Manager$152,063
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How Do Refinery Operations Managers Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Operations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $166,437.
  • California: $165,805.
  • Massachusetts: $163,595.

Top Paying Cities for Refinery Operations Manager

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $189,601
  • San Francisco: $187,525
  • Oakland: $183,573

Refinery Operations Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Refinery Operations Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $175,152. While startup companies pay approximate $148,332.

Refinery Operations Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $148,332
Growth Stage 51~500 $156,832
Established 501~5000 $169,204
Enterprise 5000+ $175,152

Refinery Operations Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Refinery Operations Manager'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 August 01, 2026
$144,067
Average $150,322/year
$157,182
$12,006
Average $12,527/month
$13,099
$2,771
Average $2,891/week
$3,023
$69
Average $72/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $157,182 $13,099 $3,023 $76
Average $150,322 $12,527 $2,891 $72
25th Percentile $144,067 $12,006 $2,771 $69

Most common benefits for Refinery Operations Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Refinery Operations Manager

Here are companies hiring for Refinery Operations Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Refinery Operations Manager

1. Where can a Refinery Operations Manager earn the most?

A Refinery Operations Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Refinery Operations Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Refinery Operations Manager is $189,601.

2. What is the highest pay for Refinery Operations Manager?

The highest pay for Refinery Operations Manager is $163,428.

3. What is the lowest pay for Refinery Operations Manager?

The lowest pay for Refinery Operations Manager is $138,372.

4. What are the responsibilities of Refinery Operations Manager?

Manages overall operations of equipment systems that process natural gas or petroleum into specified products. Leads and develops operational teams to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant production, including proper monitoring of gauges, meters, and control panels. Implement guidelines to adjust temperature, pressure, and flow to maintain optimal performance. Coordinates routine inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities. Analyzes operational data to drive improvements and reduce downtime. Ensures adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations while aligning with organizational goals. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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