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Refinery Operator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Refinery Operator III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Operator III in the United States is $85,183 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,899
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,518 to $94,456
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,629
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Refinery Operator III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Refinery Operator III Salaries?

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:

  • Refinery Operator I (0-1 years): $60,155
  • Refinery Operator II (1-3 years): $70,884
  • Refinery Operator III (3-5 years): $85,183
  • Refinery Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $114,650
  • Refinery Operations Manager (5+ years): $150,345
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Refinery Operator I0-1 years$60,155
Refinery Operator II1-3 years$70,884
Refinery Operator III3-5 years$85,183
Refinery Operations Supervisor5+ years$114,650
Refinery Operations Manager5+ years$150,345
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How Do Refinery Operator III 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 Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $94,315.
  • California: $93,957.
  • Massachusetts: $92,705.

Top Paying Cities for Refinery Operator IIIs

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: $107,441
  • San Francisco: $106,265
  • Oakland: $104,025

Refinery Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Refinery Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,971. While startup companies pay approximate $83,827.

Refinery Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $83,827
Growth Stage 51~500 $88,621
Established 501~5000 $95,611
Enterprise 5000+ $98,971

Refinery Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$76,518
Average $85,183/year
$94,456
$6,377
Average $7,099/month
$7,871
$1,472
Average $1,638/week
$1,816
$37
Average $41/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $94,456 $7,871 $1,816 $45
Average $85,183 $7,099 $1,638 $41
25th Percentile $76,518 $6,377 $1,472 $37

Refinery Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Refinery Operator III

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Advancement

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 $114,650 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Refinery Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Refinery Operator III

Here are companies hiring for Refinery Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Refinery Operator III

1. Where can a Refinery Operator III earn the most?

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 $107,441.

2. What is the highest pay for Refinery Operator III?

The highest pay for Refinery Operator III is $102,899.

3. What is the lowest pay for Refinery Operator III?

The lowest pay for Refinery Operator III is $68,629.

4. What are the responsibilities of Refinery Operator III?

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.

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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