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Oil Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

Perdue Farms

Oil Refinery Operator

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $31.50/hr

As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle ...

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Oil Refinery information

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$10

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How much do oil refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the oil refinery industry, roles such as experienced refinery operators, maintenance supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, safety training, and on-the-job experience rather than a formal degree.

What do oil refinery workers do?

Oil refinery workers are responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to process crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals. They monitor instruments and control systems, perform routine inspections, and troubleshoot issues to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the refinery. Safety is a major concern in this field, so workers must follow strict protocols and respond quickly to any emergencies. Additionally, they may be involved in quality control and environmental compliance activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or vocational training in process technology. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), safety management systems, and certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators manage complex systems and respond effectively to emergencies. These competencies are vital to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in a high-risk industrial environment.

What is the difference between Oil Refinery vs Oil Refinery Operator?

AspectOil RefineryOil Refinery Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire refinery operations, manages processes, and ensures safety and efficiencyOperates and monitors specific equipment and processes within the refinery
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical degrees, certifications in safety and process controlRequires technical training, certifications in plant operation and safety
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, overseeing multiple departmentsPrimarily on the plant floor, operating machinery and monitoring systems
Industry UsageUsed to describe the entire facility or companyRefers to the individual responsible for daily operational tasks

In summary, an Oil Refinery is the facility or organization, while an Oil Refinery Operator is a key worker responsible for operating equipment within the refinery. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I get into an oil refinery?

To work as an oil refinery worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant technical training or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. Many positions require experience in industrial settings or technical skills related to process operations, and some roles may require a valid driver's license or ability to work rotating shifts in a safety-conscious environment.

What Are Jobs in an Oil Refinery?

Jobs in an oil refinery involve moving and processing materials, as well as managing the daily operations. Your responsibilities in an oil refinery may include operating equipment to transport large amounts of crude oil, controlling the oil pressure, monitoring for other problems, and generally working to create useful raw materials for petroleum products. Other duties may include conducting visual inspections of equipment, communicating with team members, performing scheduled maintenance, ensuring a clean work area, adjusting machines, and complying with safety and environmental procedures. Many refinery jobs have a narrow focus. For example, refinery loaders almost exclusively handle unloading materials from trucks and railcars.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in an oil refinery environment?

Employees in oil refineries often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols due to the presence of hazardous materials and high-pressure equipment. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving shift work or long hours, and requires constant vigilance to prevent accidents. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication are essential, as many tasks are performed collaboratively to ensure smooth operation and compliance with environmental regulations.

What do you do at an oil refinery job?

An oil refinery worker is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to process crude oil into refined products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The job involves monitoring systems, performing safety checks, troubleshooting machinery, and following strict safety protocols, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Workers typically work in a plant environment with shifts that may include nights and weekends.

Is it hard to get a job at an oil refinery?

Getting a job at an oil refinery can be competitive due to the specialized skills and certifications required, such as safety training and technical knowledge of refinery operations. Candidates often need relevant experience, technical education, and sometimes physical fitness to meet job demands and safety standards.
More about Oil Refinery jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Refinery jobs? Cities with the most Oil Refinery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery jobs? The most popular types of Oil Refinery jobs are:
What states have the most Oil Refinery jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Refinery jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery jobs are:
Oil Refinery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Refinery job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,578 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Oil Refinery Operator

Oil Refinery Operator

Perdue Farms

Salisbury, MD

$21 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 432 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Play a hands-on role in producing high quality edible oil products. As an Oil Refinery Operator, you will operate and monitor refining, bleaching, deodorization, and hydrogenation processes while supporting safe and efficient production operations. You will handle material movement using forklifts and other mobile equipment, load out finished products, perform routine operator maintenance, and maintain sanitation standards within the refinery. This role is ideal for safety focused individuals who enjoy working with industrial equipment, supporting production from start to finish, and contributing directly to operational success.

This position has a target wage of $21.00 - $31.50 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate forklift, track mobile, pallet jack and tractor/trailer to load, unload and move supplies.
  • Operate refining, bleaching and deodorization production process.
  • Operate the hydrogenation production process.
  • Load out refined edible oil.
  • Perform general labor, housekeeping and sanitation of the oil refinery.
  • Perform routine operator maintenance on refinery equipment.
  • Perform all work within the safety guidelines established by local, state, and federal agencies as well as company policies.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Reading, writing, math and analytical skills.
  • Lift truck license.
  • Understanding of Team Management.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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