Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

SOC code 51-8093 · O*NET-SOC 51-8093.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$96,710

a year

Hourly

$46.50

per hour

10th$57,110Median$96,71090th$115,880

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$90,630

$43.57 per hour

Middle 50%

$77,510 – $106,320

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$57,110 – $115,880

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

33,160

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $57,110; $27.46/hr
25th percentile: $77,510; $37.27/hr
Median percentile: $96,710; $46.50/hr
75th percentile: $106,320; $51.12/hr
90th percentile: $115,880; $55.71/hr

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

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 97% 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.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)97%
Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Some College Courses1%

Common questions

How much does a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers earn?

The national median is $96,710 a year. The full range runs from $57,110 at the 10th percentile to $115,880 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 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers 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

Monitoring3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Speaking3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Writing3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.6/5
Public Safety and Security3.6/5
Mechanical3.5/5
Administration and Management3.5/5
Mathematics3.2/5
English Language3.2/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Chemistry3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Complex Problem Solving.