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Refinery Instrumentation Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

HGA

Lead Instrumentation Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

... refinery industries. • Demonstrated capability in engineering management, team leadership, and ... electrical or instrumentation systems design software HGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer ...

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All JobsRefinery Instrumentation JobsRefinery Instrumentation Jobs in Houston, TX

Refinery Instrumentation information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$25

$69

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery instrumentation in Houston, TX is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $26.44 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.
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Instrumentation jobs in Houston, TX? For Refinery Instrumentation jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Instrumentation jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Instrumentation jobs in Houston, TX are:
Refinery Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,008 per year, or $26 per hour.

Adjunct - Instrumentation

College of the Mainland

Texas City, TX • On-site

$54.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct - Instrumentation
FLSA
Exempt
Contract Length
N/A
Class Summary
Provide instruction on function, installation, calibration, trouble shooting and maintenance of industrial process control instrumentation and electronic, electromechanical, and pneumatic control devices to train the next generation of Instrumentation Technicians.
Position Type
Adjunct
Employment Status
Part Time
Position Funding
Regular
Minimum Education/Training/Experience
High School Diploma or GED. Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Three (3) years of experience as an Instrumentation Technician or I & E Technician.
Preferred Education/Training/Experience
- Associates Degree in Instrumentation or comparable certification. Five (5) years of experience as an Instrumentation Technician or I & E Technician working in the maintenance of petrochemical/refining instrumentation/analytical equipment.
- Experience with PLC machinery and control systems as well as hydraulic and pneumatic machinery is highly preferred.
Minimum Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the installation, operation, maintenance, and modification of electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
- Skilled in installation, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of electronic, instrumentation, distributive control systems and programmable logic controllers.
- Skilled in the inspection and repair on control valves, level transmitters, flow meters, and pressure transmitters.
- Ability to perform preventive maintenance on all types of process instrumentation, i.e. analyzers, pressure switches, level switches, flow switches, gas detectors, PH meters, and conductivity meters.
- Skilled in troubleshooting to diagnose and correct instrumentation problems in the field.
- Skilled in reading and understanding P&ID'S, PFD'S, and perform maintenance tasks using instrument loop sheets.
Preferred Knowledge & Skills
N/A
Job Duties
Teach assigned classes in keeping with approved syllabi, outlines, and instructional materials through lecture and lab instruction.
Maintain accurate student accounting records in compliance with COM.
Provide counsel/guidance to students when there is a need.
Licensing/Certification Requirements
N/A
Physical Requirements
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F32P
Candidates that are eligible apply
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicant
Minimum Salary Range
$54.25/hr
Mid Point Salary Range
Maximum Salary Range
$54.25/hr
Posting Open Date
01/12/2018
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.com.edu/postings/1217
EEO Statement
College of the Mainland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability or veteran status.
College of the Mainland does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations within Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and 1992.

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