CFChooseField
Production

Petroleum Pump System Operators, 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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
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Median pay

$97,540
Median annual pay for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

34,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Flexibility of Closure
  2. 2Information Ordering
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Perceptual Speed
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Selective Attention

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyEmail softwareInventory tracking softwareProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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