Biofuels Processing Technicians
SOC code 51-8099 · O*NET-SOC 51-8099.01 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Biofuels Processing Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$62,470
a year
Hourly
$30.03
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$65,700
$31.59 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,900 – $78,480
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,700 – $94,560
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
14,080
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Plant and System Operators, All Other”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $40,700
- $19.57/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,900
- $23.51/hr
- Median percentile
- $62,470
- $30.03/hr
- 75th percentile
- $78,480
- $37.73/hr
- 90th percentile
- $94,560
- $45.46/hr
What does a biofuels processing technician do?
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
- Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
- Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
- Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
- Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
- Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
- Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.
- Monitor and record flow meter performance.
How to become a biofuels processing technician
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 71% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)71%
- Post-Secondary Certificate18%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
- Some College Courses3%
Common questions
How much does a biofuels processing technician earn?
The national median is $62,470 a year. The full range runs from $40,700 at the 10th percentile to $94,560 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a biofuels processing technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing4.0/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Chemistry3.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
- Engineering and Technology2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Equipment Maintenance.