How to become a petroleum pump system operator, refinery operators, and gaugers

Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers do

• Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
• Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
• Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
• Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
• Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
• Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.

Skills that matter most

• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is petroleum pump system operator, refinery operators, and gaugers a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 90% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Alaska $124,530
• Louisiana $106,640
• Utah $105,980
• Ohio $105,150
• New Jersey $104,540

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.