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Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems (Hydrolyzer, Fractionator, O/S, Stills, Evaporation Trains, Glycerin Refinery and other ancillary ...

Refinery Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

As a Refinery Operator, you will be an integral part of our operations, working alongside a team of skilled operators to monitor, regulate, troubleshoot, and safely operate our complex process ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Refinery Superintendent

Newark, CA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

Job Purpose and Impact The Refinery Superintendent will provide strategic operational oversight for assigned production and operating process for Newark Refinery plant. In this role, you will oversee ...

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 ...

Refinery Operator

Boss, MO · On-site

$26.04/hr

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Doe Run Company is seeking a Refinery Operator to form and cast lead, make oxide, and move finished product to meet customer specifications. This rotating position is located at The Buick ...

REFINERY OPERATOR IA-Louisville, KY Join our Global Team at our Louisville, KY Manufacturing Facility Making Better Happen for 150 years At AAK, our company purpose is Making Better Happen and we ...

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Refinery information

See salary details

$35.5K

$41.9K

$47.5K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in the United States is $41,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Refinery?

A refinery is a massive industrial operation where a specific chemical engineering process is used to convert raw materials into usable products. One example is a refinery that turns crude oil into a range of products, such as petroleum, diesel, and heating oil. Sugar refineries take harvested cane or beets and convert the plants’ natural sugars into a crystallized form for sale in grocery stores or use in food production. Metal refineries may process a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for a variety of purposes like manufacturing steel beams for use in the construction industry.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is an industrial facility where raw materials—most commonly crude oil—are processed and transformed into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, purifying, and converting the raw materials through various physical and chemical methods. Refineries play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, ensuring that crude oil and other feedstocks are converted into market-ready fuels and products. Workers in refineries typically specialize in areas like operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control to ensure efficient and safe production.

What is the difference between Refinery vs Petrochemical Technician?

AspectRefineryPetrochemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, processing units, industrial plantsPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn chemical and petrochemical industries

Refinery workers focus on processing crude oil into usable products, while petrochemical technicians work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but refinery roles are more centered on oil processing, whereas petrochemical technicians specialize in chemical manufacturing processes.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification relevant to industrial operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effectively managing operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working in a refinery often involves navigating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and operating in a fast-paced environment. New employees may find the scale of operations and the emphasis on teamwork and communication challenging at first. To prepare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry safety standards, develop strong attention to detail, and be open to ongoing training. Building good relationships with more experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and provide valuable on-the-job insights.
What cities are hiring for Refinery jobs? Cities with the most Refinery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs? The most popular types of Refinery jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refinery jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery jobs are:
Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,940 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Refinery Operator

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems (Hydrolyzer, Fractionator, O/S, Stills, Evaporation Trains, Glycerin Refinery and other ancillary systems) to safely produce quality fatty acids per customer specifications.

  • Start up the process turning valves, moving handles, working overhead, observing display screens and making other various moves to bring product into proper specification.

  • Use computerized control systems and manual valves to control process and production.

  • Enter laboratory test results and document observations on Quality Window.

  • Perform an emergency equipment shutdown and know when it is necessary.

  • Perform regular routine safety inspections that are assigned mitigating hazards or reporting identified hazards to management.

  • Perform cleanup of assigned area using shovels, mix T’s and other tools.

  • Enter production data and end of shift information (usage and production) into SAP.

  • Perform visual/physical on site machinery and/or equipment inspection twice a shift.

  • Report and notify any defects system/machineries to maintenance department /shift leader as soon as possible. Enter work orders into the electronic maintenance tracking system.

  • Conduct shift turnover with the relief operator in the control room.

  • Participate in maintenance activities during shutdown and repairs, joining the Maintenance team to perform inspection, installation and repairs as needed.

  • Draw product samples and conduct laboratory tests for various chemical properties such as Iodine Value, Color, pH and others.Run test on Gas Chromatographs.

  • Support and participate in Maintenance and Engineering teams problems.

  • Perform Lockout Tag Out and Isolation of systems as required.

  • Support and assist in the training and education of other employees as requested.

  • Support the Company principles of Safety, Compliance, Quality, Cost and KPI’s.

  • Perform other duties as requested or required.

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