The Role of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in the Oil & Gas Industry

Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers are essential personnel in the oil & gas industry. They ensure that the petroleum refining and processing procedures, as well as the transport and storage of oil and gas, are conducted safely, efficiently, and accurately.

There are various duties and responsibilities associated with these roles, including operating and maintaining petroleum refining equipment, monitoring process variables, gauging and testing oil storage tanks, and sampling and testing products for quality control purposes. Here are some examples of what a typical day in any of these roles might look like:

– A petroleum pump system operator may operate pumps, valves, and compressors to transport crude oil from a storage tank through a pipeline to a refinery. They may also monitor flow rates and pressures and adjust equipment as necessary to ensure a steady, consistent flow of oil.

– A refinery operator may operate refining equipment such as boilers, distillation towers, and reactors to transform crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. They may also monitor process parameters and control equipment to ensure product quality and minimize waste.

– A gauger may use specialized equipment and procedures to measure the volume, temperature, and gravity of crude oil or refined petroleum products in storage tanks. They may also take samples of products for laboratory analysis to ensure quality control and compliance with safety regulations.

To become a petroleum pump system operator, refinery operator, or gauger, one typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer or require additional education such as an associate’s degree or certification in a relevant field. Relevant skills include mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, math and science proficiency, and strong problem-solving abilities.

Many candidates for these roles start out as entry-level operators or technicians and advance through on-the-job training and experience to more senior positions. For example, a petroleum pump system operator may progress from a helper position to an operator position, then to a lead or supervisor role. Similarly, a refinery operator may advance to become a shift supervisor or maintenance manager with additional experience and training.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the oil & gas industry as a petroleum pump system operator, refinery operator, or gauger, you can start by looking for entry-level jobs or apprenticeships with oil companies or petroleum refining and transport companies. Many industry employers also provide ongoing training and development opportunities for their employees to help them advance and grow in their careers.

The occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is a skilled trade that involves the operation and maintenance of machinery used in the production and refining of petroleum products. The job level for this occupation is typically at the entry-level and requires a high degree of technical skill and experience. The salary data for this occupation varies based on union affiliation, job level, and location.

Union membership in this occupation can have a significant impact on the salary that workers earn. Workers who are part of a union tend to earn more on average than those who are not. In the United States, the national average salary for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers who are part of a union is $90,750.40 (high) and $83,969.60 (low). In contrast, those who are not part of a union earn an average salary of $80,204.80 (high) and $74,152.00 (low).

The highest-paid petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers are located in Oklahoma, where non-union workers earn an average salary of $84,344.00 (low) and $72,945.60 (high). Similarly, in Louisiana, non-union workers in this occupation earn an average salary of $81,452.80 (low) and $70,907.20 (high).

Overall, the occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is a skilled trade that requires technical knowledge and experience. Union membership can have a significant impact on the salary earned in this occupation. Workers interested in pursuing this line of work should consider their location and union affiliation when negotiating their salary.