As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Operator I in the United States is $60,145 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Refinery Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Refinery 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Refinery Operator I | 0-1 years | $60,145 |
| Refinery Operator II | 1-3 years | $70,871 |
| Refinery Operator III | 3-5 years | $85,151 |
| Refinery Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $114,643 |
| Refinery Operations Manager | 5+ years | $150,294 |
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 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
|
$64,355 |
7%
|
|
Marketing Systems
|
$64,355 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$64,355 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$62,551 |
4%
|
|
Business Model
|
$62,551 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$61,949 |
3%
|
Refinery Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,992. While startup companies pay approximate $59,246.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,246 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,642 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,611 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,992 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Refinery Operator Is 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 I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $59,305 and $62,453).
Refinery Operator I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 42.9% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 21.4% |
| Bachelors | 35.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Refinery 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 July 01, 2026For a Refinery Operator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Refinery Operator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $70,871 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Refinery 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 Operator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,352 |
| 2024 | $70,042 |
| 2025 | $69,435 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Refinery Operator I'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 Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Refinery Operator I is $75,861.
The highest pay for Refinery Operator I is $75,595.
The lowest pay for Refinery Operator I is $49,382.
Controls equipment systems that process natural gas or petroleum into specified products. Monitors gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure safe and efficient operations. Adjusts temperature, pressure, and flow as needed to maintain optimal process conditions. Performs routine inspections and basic troubleshooting of equipment. Maintains logs and complies with safety and environmental regulations. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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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