Effectively using test equipment including multi-meters, insulation testers (meggers), battery ... plant, refinery and/or chemical industry. * Ability to adjust schedule to meet business demands.
Effectively using test equipment including multi-meters, insulation testers (meggers), battery ... plant, refinery and/or chemical industry. * Ability to adjust schedule to meet business demands.
Entry Level Refinery Insulation information
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$13.94 - $15.41
6% of jobs
$15.41 - $16.87
11% of jobs
$17.51 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.87 - $18.33
17% of jobs
The median wage is $19.63 / hr.
$18.33 - $19.80
18% of jobs
$19.80 - $21.26
15% of jobs
$22.16 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$21.26 - $22.73
14% of jobs
$22.73 - $24.19
10% of jobs
$24.19 - $25.66
4% of jobs
$25.66 - $27.12
2% of jobs
$27.12 - $28.58
2% of jobs
$28.58 - $30.05
1% of jobs
$13
$20
$30
How much do entry level refinery insulation jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level refinery insulation in the United States is $20.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Insulation Worker, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Insulation Worker, you need a high school diploma or GED, basic math skills, physical stamina, and an understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with hand tools, insulation materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial, and OSHA safety certification is often preferred. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic help individuals excel in this physically demanding and safety-sensitive role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient insulation installation and maintenance in hazardous refinery environments.
What are some common challenges faced by entry-level refinery insulation workers, and how can they be overcome?
Entry-level refinery insulation workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, working in extreme weather conditions, and navigating strict safety protocols. New hires may also need time to become familiar with specialized tools and the layout of large industrial sites. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively participate in safety and skills training, communicate openly with supervisors, and seek guidance from more experienced team members. Building physical endurance and maintaining a strong attention to detail will also contribute to success in this role.
What does an entry level refinery insulation worker do?
An entry level refinery insulation worker assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing insulation on pipes, tanks, and other equipment in a refinery setting. They help reduce heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and protect workers from high temperatures. Typical tasks include measuring and cutting insulation materials, applying coverings, and following safety protocols under the supervision of experienced workers. This role often requires basic knowledge of hand tools and a strong emphasis on safety due to the industrial environment.
How much do refiners make?
Refinery insulators, often classified as entry-level insulation workers in refineries, typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some earning higher with specialized skills or overtime work.
What is the difference between Entry Level Refinery Insulation vs Entry Level Pipe Insulator?
| Aspect | Entry Level Refinery Insulation | Entry Level Pipe Insulator |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | OSHA safety training, basic insulation certifications | OSHA safety training, basic insulation certifications |
| Work Environment | Refineries, industrial plants, construction sites | Industrial plants, construction sites, maintenance facilities |
| Job Duties | Insulating refinery equipment, pipes, tanks | Insulating pipes, ducts, equipment in industrial settings |
| Industry Usage | Common in oil refineries and chemical plants | Common in industrial and manufacturing facilities |
Both roles involve insulation work in industrial environments and require similar safety certifications. The main difference is that Entry Level Refinery Insulation focuses specifically on refinery equipment and tanks, while Entry Level Pipe Insulator primarily works on pipes and ducts across various industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Insulation jobs? The most popular types of Refinery Insulation jobs are:
Energy Transfer rating
9.1
Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
2nd of 74 rated oil and gas companies
Job description
Installation, calibration and maintenance of the tank farm instrumentation and electrical equipment or any other assigned tasks that personnel can safely perform.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Communicating all safety concerns and incidents to supervisor immediately.
- Communicating work status, findings, and improvement opportunities to supervision.
- Obtaining appropriate work permits and performs a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to starting work.
- Understanding the tank farm's electrical infrastructure and general electrical principles to work efficiently and effectively.
- Troubleshooting, repairing, and performing other maintenance tasks on electrical equipment including electric motors, protective relays, starter controls, VFDs, wiring systems, overhead lines, heat tracing systems, uninterruptable power supplies, batteries, generators, lighting fixtures, cord sets, grounding, etc.
- Configuring, installing, and commissioning new electrical equipment.
- Researching and retrieving equipment information using the internet, plant equipment files, and communication with vendors.
- Reading and interpreting loop drawings, P&IDs, wiring schematics, single line diagrams, etc.
- Using computers and software applications to enter and retrieve data.
- Determining appropriate tools and levels of PPE required for work based on arc flash potential and electrical safety considerations.
- Operating all available mobile equipment including aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and bucket trucks, fork lifts.
- Effectively using test equipment including multi-meters, insulation testers (meggers), battery testers, and signal generators.
- Performing work activities that include pulling, lifting, twisting, working in confined spaces, and on elevated platforms requiring fall protection.
- Providing proper housekeeping of work areas, vehicles, and tools.
- Performing any other tasks as assigned by management to the level of training of the individual.
Education and/or Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements for this position are listed below:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Prefer Journeyman Electrical or Instrument Technician; or related field.
- Proficient (perform with limited assistance) with Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- 2-4 years of direct experience working in a maintenance role in an industrial plant, refinery and/or chemical industry.
- Ability to adjust schedule to meet business demands.
- Working knowledge of Electrical Safe Work Practices (NFPA 70E).
- Experience with electrical distribution switchgear protective relay systems maintenance and testing (HFOCTO has its own electrical substation).
- Ability to work independently, using manuals and other information to troubleshoot and improve understanding of equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others including providing clear explanations, constructive listening, and asking questions as appropriate.
- Good written communication skills pertaining to documenting inspection and repair information.
- Ability to identify and evaluate problems including approach, possible alternative solutions, and conclusions.
- Knowledge and ability to determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Ability to concentrate on a task over an extended period of time without being distracted.
- Ability to choose appropriate actions considering relative costs and benefits.
- Ability to stay productive with or without assigned tasks.
- Familiarity with P & ID's, Loop Drawings, Controllers, Digital Signals, preferred.
- Working experience with 3 phase medium voltage to 12,470 Volts.
- Must have a valid Driver's license
- Must have a TWIC card
Preferred Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- 2-year Electrical Technology degree, certificate or equivalent.
- Apprenticeship program or technical school background is desirable.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Environmental working conditions vary and employee may encounter vibration, noise, odors, and extremes in temperature and wind as well as exposure to varied weather, varied surfaces, sharp edges, varied lighting and confined and congested areas and occasionally exposure to petroleum-based products such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, and grease and other petroleum products and chemicals.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, and maintain balance for extensive periods of time.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 40 lbs. from floor to above shoulder and horizontally and carry objects up to 100 feet. Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks; climb (e.g., ladders and stairs, etc.), stretch, turn, twist, reach; bend, crouch, squat, kneel and stoop for extensive periods of time.
- Ability to use a variety of light to heavy tools necessary to conduct plant operations.
- Ability to operate crane and other equipment necessary for loading and unloading product.
- Ability to operate all types of company vehicles.
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