As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refinery Process Operator in the United States is $84,439 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Refinery Process Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery Process Operator'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'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 Process Operator | $83,704 |
| Intermediate Level Refinery Process Operator | $83,914 |
| Senior Level Refinery Process Operator | $85,278 |
| Specialist Level Refinery Process Operator | $89,385 |
| Expert Level Refinery Process Operator | $90,734 |
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Accountability | 4.89% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.7% |
| Family Education | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Telecommunications
|
$118,214 |
40%
|
|
Case Management
|
$90,349 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$89,505 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$88,661 |
5%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$87,816 |
4%
|
|
Nursing Process
|
$86,972 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Refinery Process Operator'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Refinery Process Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,105 in 2023 to around $69,275 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Refinery Process Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $70,105 |
| 2024 | $69,823 |
| 2025 | $69,275 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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