Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Production
Control panels are used to keep temperature, pressure, and product flow on schedule as oil moves through refining units, tanks, and pipelines. Radio or phone calls go out so other workers can start pumps, open valves, or check temperatures. Gauges and meters are watched for trouble; units are patrolled to confirm tank levels, safe operations, and that products pass through the right meters. Failed equipment is repaired or reported so a fix can be scheduled. Suits people who like tracking interconnected systems, coordinating in real time, and sticking to process schedules.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$96'710
Median Wage Market Position
$96'710
What you might do
- Run pumps and valves to move oil through lines
- Set temperature, pressure, and flow from control panels
- Watch gauges and meters for signs of trouble
- Radio others to open valves or start pumps
- Walk the unit to check tank levels and safety
- Plan product routes through processing and storage lines
Skills that matter
- Operating pumps, valves, and control panels
- Signaling crews by telephone or radio
- Planning oil movement through connected lines
- Checking meters on incoming and outgoing oil
- Patrolling tanks for levels and safety
- Reporting equipment faults so repairs can start
AI & the future of this role
Refinery unit controls and gauging routines are increasingly software-assisted, so AI might handle more of the continuous monitoring. Hands-on unit checks, abnormal-situation response, and liability around flammable processes still favor human oversight.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details