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Refinery Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Refinery Instrumentation information

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$14

$28

$75

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery instrumentation in California is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is instrumentation in a refinery?

Refinery instrumentation involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and devices that monitor and regulate processes such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level. Instrumentation technicians use tools like calibrators and sensors to ensure safe and efficient operation of refinery equipment, often working with control systems like DCS or PLCs. Proper instrumentation is essential for process safety, quality, and compliance in refinery operations.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Refinery instrumentation roles typically pay higher salaries at large, integrated oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, especially for experienced technicians with specialized skills and certifications. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and shift differentials, with some of the highest wages found in regions with high cost of living or in offshore facilities.

What are the common daily responsibilities for someone in Refinery Instrumentation?

In a Refinery Instrumentation role, your daily responsibilities typically include installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting various process instrumentation and control systems to ensure smooth plant operations. You will regularly perform preventive maintenance, address equipment failures, and work closely with operations and engineering teams to resolve issues quickly. Documentation of maintenance activities, adherence to safety procedures, and ongoing system upgrades are also part of the role. This position often involves a blend of fieldwork and technical analysis, making it ideal for those who enjoy hands-on problem-solving and supporting critical refinery functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Refinery Instrumentation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Refinery Instrumentation, you need a solid background in electronics, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting, often supported by a diploma or degree in instrumentation engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HART communicators, and recognized certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital for diagnosing issues and liaising with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refinery processes, minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Where do instrumentation technicians make the most money?

Instrumentation technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or energy sector, such as areas with large refineries, chemical plants, or power plants. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the instrumentation systems they work on, with those working overtime or in hazardous environments often earning more.

What is a Refinery Instrumentation job?

A Refinery Instrumentation job involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instruments and control systems that monitor and regulate refinery processes. This includes sensors, transmitters, controllers, and automation systems that ensure operational efficiency and safety. Instrumentation technicians work with pressure, temperature, flow, and level measurement devices to optimize refinery performance. They also perform routine calibrations, inspections, and repairs to prevent equipment failures. Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control loops, and industry standards is essential for this role.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Refinery instrumentation professionals are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for maintenance, calibration, and installation of control systems in the oil and gas industry. Skilled workers with knowledge of PLCs, sensors, and safety standards are particularly sought after, especially in facilities with aging infrastructure or expanding operations.
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Refinery Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Craftperson A - Instrumentation

Craftperson A - Instrumentation

Valero

Los Angeles, CA

$55.78/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Valero rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

  • Maintains and repairs electronic and pneumatic instrumentation.
  • Possesses an advanced knowledge of instrumentation math, units, variables, and dimensions of measurement.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of flow, pressure, temperature, level instrumentation, and control power systems.
  • Maintains and troubleshoots various types of switches, meters, indicators, temperature sensors, positioners, controllers, and control valves.
  • Uses test equipment and performs routine calibrations. Maintains various instrumentation loops.
  • Demonstrates ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop drawings, and wiring schematics.
  • Plans and coordinates work following appropriate work orders, work permits, and safety instructions.
  • Performs work activities in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
  • This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.
  • The hourly rate for this position is $55.78  and represents Valero's good faith and reasonable estimate of the expected compensation at the time of this posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications and experience.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • A minimum of 5 years instrumentation experience is required.
  • Associate's degree in instrumentation preferred.
  • Able and willing to work on-site and in-person, required.

You may receive communication from Valero by email, telephone, or home mail regarding the status of your application for this position.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team.  For more information visit Valero.com.

About the Wilmington Refinery

The Valero Wilmington Refinery was commissioned in 1969 and has had three major expansions to become a fully integrated refinery and several upgrades to meet clean-fuel standards. The Wilmington refinery processes a blend of  California and foreign crude oil, as well as unfinished feedstocks from local and foreign sources. Given its coking and desulfurizing capabilities, it is particularly well-suited to process lower-cost heavy, high-sulfur crude oils and feedstocks. The refinery also produces 15 percent of the asphalt supply in southern California. Refined products are distributed from the Wilmington refinery through a network of third-party pipelines and terminals in southern California, Nevada and Arizona, and then on to wholesale and retail customers.  

Valero will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Valero is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  

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