2

Entry Level Refinery Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Prior experience in chemical, manufacturing, refinery, or industrial operations is preferred; entry-level candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and work ethic will be considered * Safety-first ...

New

Entry Level Cook - The Yacht Club

Austin, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or ... Yacht Club anchors the hotel's ground floor, offering a refined yet approachable take on coastal ...

The MI Assistant position is an entry-level role designed for individuals interested in building ... Work in industrial environments including refineries, petrochemical plants, and manufacturing ...

The MI Assistant position is an entry-level role designed for individuals interested in building ... Work in industrial environments including refineries, petrochemical plants, and manufacturing ...

The MI Assistant position is an entry-level role designed for individuals interested in building ... Work in industrial environments including refineries, petrochemical plants, and manufacturing ...

Crude Oil Accountant

Dallas, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will support accounting for one refinery supply chain as assigned, representing purchases ranging from 1-4m bbls / month, $1-$5m of associated logistics expenses and inventories up 1m bbls. Job ...

Technician - Reactive Cleaning

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

TheIndustrial Cleaning Technician is an entry-level, field-based role responsiblefor supporting ... Minimum of 1 year of experience in refineries or chemical plants. * Self-motivated employee with a ...

Technician - Reactive Cleaning

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

TheIndustrial Cleaning Technician is an entry-level, field-based role responsiblefor supporting ... Minimum of 1 year of experience in refineries or chemical plants. * Self-motivated employee with a ...

Technician - Reactive Cleaning

Houston, TX

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

TheIndustrial Cleaning Technician is an entry-level, field-based role responsiblefor supporting ... Minimum of 1 year of experience in refineries or chemical plants. * Self-motivated employee with a ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Refinery information

See Texas salary details

$15

$23

$32

How much do entry level refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level refinery in Texas is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level refinery job?

Entry level refinery jobs are positions in oil refineries that require little to no prior industry experience. Typical roles include operator assistant, general laborer, maintenance helper, or technician trainee. These jobs involve supporting daily operations, maintaining equipment, assisting senior staff, and following strict safety procedures. Entry level roles provide hands-on training and are a common starting point for building a long-term career in the refining industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level refinery operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and an understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with industrial equipment, process control systems, and, in some cases, OSHA safety certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and supporting smooth refinery operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level employees in a refinery, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level refinery workers may encounter challenges such as adapting to safety protocols, working in physically demanding environments, and learning to operate complex machinery. It's important to pay close attention during safety training and always follow established procedures to minimize risk. Building good communication with experienced team members and asking questions can help accelerate your learning curve. Over time, you'll gain confidence as you become more familiar with the refinery's processes and safety standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Refinery vs Entry Level Chemical Operator?

AspectEntry Level RefineryEntry Level Chemical Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often beneficial
Work EnvironmentRefineries, industrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas industry, refining sectorChemical manufacturing, processing plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in refineriesEntry-level roles in chemical processing

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they operate in industrial environments. An Entry Level Refinery focuses on supporting refinery operations, while an Entry Level Chemical Operator is involved in chemical processing tasks. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and industry usage, but they differ slightly in specific job functions and industry terminology.

How to start working in an entry level refinery?

To start working as an entry-level refinery worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete safety training or certifications such as OSHA. Applying through company job boards or staffing agencies, gaining basic knowledge of refinery operations, and being prepared for shift work are important steps to enter this field.

Is it hard to get into an entry level refinery?

Entry level refinery jobs are generally accessible to candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require basic technical skills or safety training. Competition can vary depending on location and industry demand, but obtaining relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve chances of hiring.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Refinery jobs in Texas?

For Entry Level Refinery jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Refinery jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Refinery jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Entry Level Refinery jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Entry Level Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Refinery job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,519 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Catalyst Technician (Entry Level)

Stronghold Specialty, Ltd

Nederland, TX

$16 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Cat-Spec, Ltd. a Stronghold Company is looking for Catalyst Technicians to join the family. All new hires would be trained on the job and in the classroom with excellent growth opportunities. Catalyst Technicians will perform critical reactor and tower maintenance services to refineries and petrochemical facilities nationwide. Assignments are closely supervised and designed to further develop employee job knowledge and abilities. We want this to be more than just a job - we want to give you all the tools to have a successful career at Cat-Spec, Ltd.. This position is considered part-time due the project based nature of the job.

The position of a Catalyst Technician "Tech B" is responsible for day-to-day activities performed in client facilities; both inert and non-inert confined space entry atmosphere and to perform work toward its projects’ goal of Safety, Quality, Productivity and Service. A Tech B is will perform work as required to maximize the quality of the Company while maintaining the specified expectations of the client and ensure safe working environment while performing work. A Tech B will conduct all Company business in accordance with Company policies and procedures and maintain professionalism throughout all business dealings, both internally and externally.


Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Team member for all rescue operations.
  • Work in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) confined space entry conditions.
  • Operate and maintain all company owned or rented vehicles in a professional manner.
  • Maintain a clean environment and report unusual findings in vessel such as fused catalyst or hot spots, etc. to Supervisor.
  • Unload and load tubular vessels.
  • Adhere to all Quality Assurance and Quality Control requirements.
  • Load catalyst bed.
  • Assist with the cleaning and correct loading of equipment and trailers.
  • Support the Supervisors by keeping work areas clear and free of obstructions.
  • Learn the proper function and usage of the Life Support equipment and its safety factors.
  • Wear the Life Support equipment on non-inert confined space entries and gain experience on its usage and safety for future growth and advancement.
  • Operate the retrieval devised and multi-gas portable detectors.
  • Monitor the surrounding and dangers associated with entering confined spaces.
  • Follow all Company Quality Control/Quality Assurance procedures and processes.
  • Skills necessary to perform confined space entries (non-inert).
  • Maintain poise and focus under time constraint and adverse conditions.
  • Attend and complete trainings as required by the Company and client.
  • Pass all required drug/alcohol testing and background requirements.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This job operates in a petrochechemical / refinery environment. Exposure to cold working conditions during winter months and hot working conditions during the summer months. Exposure to noise, workers must wear protecting hearing equipment or frequently shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level. In an emergency situation, exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur and the use of a respirator is required. All employees will be required to be fit tested for the various respirators used as well as the ability to successfully pass a pulmonary function test (PFT).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The position of a Tech B can be extremely physical at times. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required, and for long periods of time to bend, stoop, walk, climb, squat, reach, kneel, push/pull, stand, sit, hand strength and dexterity. A Tech B will frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift more than 51 pounds. Must be able to work in confined spaces. Must be able to work at heights and be able to climb ladders and stairways and work off platforms. Move about on hands and feet, bending body downward and forward bending leg and spine- working in a bent over position. Ability to verbally communicate alarms or warnings clearly, concisely, loudly and quickly. Clearly and quickly hear or otherwise sense alarms or warning and take appropriate action, maintain equilibrium to prevent falling when moving, walking, standing, kneeling or crouching- particularly on narrow, uneven, irregular, slippery surfaces, going up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles or other objects using hands, arms, feet or legs. Sensing physical attributes such as size, shape, temperature, texture or sharpness of an object by touching. Must possess foot agility and dexterity- operating pedals, foot controls, kick bars and other similar tasks that require foot or toe motion. Grasp, grip and/or apply pressure to an object with the fingers, palm, holding an object in the hand. Lift, raise or lower objects in a vertical direction, particularly heavy or bulky objects. Move objects backwards, forward, in or out in a horizontal direction, particularly heavy or bulky objects. Pulling, exerting a steady backward, downward, upward or outward force against an object- jerking, wrenching, stretching, towing, drawing, dragging or tugging objects in sustained motion. Reaching, extending the hand (s) and/or arm(s) in any direction. See, read, write and understand communication including directions, instructions and warning signs. Ability to see and distinguish colors, to visually distinguish shapes and patterns, to accurately sense distances (depth perception), to accurately see objects and detect motion and wide angles (peripheral vision).

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

This is a project- based position. Typical days and hours of work are variable/ project dependent. Over-time work is common and may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Travel is expected. Extensive travel throughout U.S. and overnight stay for extended periods of time may be required of this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Stronghold is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Stronghold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local laws.


Required Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
  • Posession of a valid TWIC 
  • Possession of a valid Driver's License
  • Clean Background Check
  • Ability to pass a drug screen (breath, urine, follicle)

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience in the petrochemical / refinery industry. First Aid and CPR trained.