As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Operator III in the United States is $85,058 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Refinery Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Refinery Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,121 | $7,760 | $1,791 | $45 |
| Average | $85,058 | $7,088 | $1,636 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,823 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
HII Mission Technologies - KEY WEST, FL
Vickers & Nolan Enterprises, LLC - CHARLESTON, SC
Koniag Government Services - SILVER SPRING, MD
Vickers & Nolan Enterprises, LLC - CHARLESTON, SC
A Refinery Operator III'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 Operator III'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 Operator III | $83,609 |
| Intermediate Level Refinery Operator III | $83,851 |
| Senior Level Refinery Operator III | $84,720 |
| Specialist Level Refinery Operator III | $88,067 |
| Expert Level Refinery Operator III | $89,631 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Refinery Operator III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,121 | $7,760 | $1,791 | $45 |
| Average | $85,058 | $7,088 | $1,636 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,823 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
For a Refinery Operator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Refinery Operations Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $114,625 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Refinery Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Energy & Utilities
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A Refinery Operator III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Refinery Operator III is $107,284.
The highest pay for Refinery Operator III is $100,462.
The lowest pay for Refinery Operator III is $78,878.
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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related 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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