1

Refinery Instrumentation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Refinery Instrumentation information

See salary details

$14

$28

$76

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery instrumentation in the United States is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $29.33 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.
More about Refinery Instrumentation jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Instrumentation jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Instrumentation job openings:
What states have the most Refinery Instrumentation jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Instrumentation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,888 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Instrumentation Analyzer Technician

Instrumentation Analyzer Technician

Par Pacific

Billings, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Instrumentation Analyzer Technician
Posting Start Date: 6/25/26
Job Location (Short): Billings, MT, USA, 59101
Instrumentation/Analyzer Technician
The Opportunity
  • Instrumentation/Analyzer Technician at a growth-oriented downstream energy company
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • Challenging work with potential for growth
  • Opportunity to have a daily impact on the success of the refinery and the Company
  • 4x10 work schedule (except during major maintenance events, abnormal operations, etc.)
  • Reporting to the Instrumentation/Analyzer Supervisor, you will be responsible for troubleshooting, testing, installing, repairing, and calibrating flow, pressure, level and temperature transmitters, and controllers (both pneumatic and electronic).

Key activities include:
  • Understand and comply with all refinery safety procedures and policies
  • Operation and repair of control valves, electro-pneumatic transducers, alarm systems, PLC, and Honeywell process control systems
  • Physically inspect, monitor, and repair equipment in assigned work areas
  • Adjust equipment to meet operating specifications to ensure safe and reliable operations
  • Maintain housekeeping in assigned areas according to refinery standards
  • Perform work off of fixed, temporary, or portable elevated platforms
  • Calibration and maintenance of field analyzers to include CEM's and process control equipment.
  • HCP and oil movement instrumentation verification and repair
  • Installation of new and/or modified process control equipment under the site's MOC program
  • Unit start up and shut down support for major maintenance events

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position. Additional responsibilities and opportunities may be identified based on current business needs.
Qualifications
To meet the basic qualifications for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.
Additional qualifications include:
Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Minimum of 3 years of mechanic and /or electrical experience required
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of 4-20 mA current loops required
  • Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability, including practical understanding of pressure, temperature, level, and flow instrumentation, as well as basic electrical components such as fuses, resistors, diodes, switches, relays, and power supplies
  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain equipment status, troubleshooting findings, risks, and repair recommendations to team members, front-line supervisors, operations personnel, vendors, and engineering
  • Ability to follow written procedures, including general operating procedures, maintenance procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and Safety Critical testing instructions, with attention to accuracy and documentation
  • Ability to safely perform basic electrical troubleshooting on AC and DC circuits, including verifying voltage, continuity, grounding, polarity, fuses, wiring terminations, and common control-circuit faults
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, equipment manuals, and manufacturer troubleshooting guides, then apply that information to field work
  • Ability to document completed work, test results, deficiencies, and follow-up actions in a clear and accurate manner

Preferred:
  • Experience with control valves, including basic understanding of valve operation, positioners, actuators, common failure modes, and general maintenance or troubleshooting. Hands-on teardown, repair, or rebuild experience preferred
  • Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems, including DeltaV, Honeywell TDC 2000, Honeywell TDC 3000, or similar DCS platforms. DeltaV experience preferred
  • Familiarity with common instrumentation and control equipment brands, including but not limited to VEGA, Fisher, Rosemount, Endress+Hauser, or similar manufacturers.
  • Basic understanding of Equipment Health Monitoring systems, such as Bently Nevada or similar systems.
  • General knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), including basic PLC operation, input/output signals, field devices, and troubleshooting concepts.
  • Previous work, internship, co-op, military, trade school, or technical training experience related to the repair, calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting of instrumentation is preferred.
  • Experience working in an industrial, refinery, petrochemical, manufacturing, utility, or process environment is preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to learn site-specific instrumentation systems, control platforms, procedures, and equipment through hands-on training.

About Us
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically complex markets. We have built a team of downstream industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
More Good Reasons to Work for Par Pacific
Unique Culture and RICH Values
There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific employees. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneurial-minded professionals who love to win. Our RICH values describe how we approach our work: Respect for Others, Integrity, Collaborative Innovation, and Heart. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.
Location, Location, Location
Because Par Pacific operates in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. You will work in Billings, Montana, the heart of Yellowstone Country. We have outdoor recreation in all directions and are less than an hour from the mountains. And, as Montana's largest city, Billings offers options to balance life, work and play - with trails for walking and biking, historic sites, plenty of dining options, a myriad of cultural choices, and the largest healthcare sector between Minneapolis and Spokane.
Opportunistic Growth Strategy
At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.
Focused on the Future
We are an energy company that has recognized the imperative and embraced the opportunity to begin the transition from fossil fuels. We are developing products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Excellent Compensation and Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a robust allotment of paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursement, and more. Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription coverage), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program. Employees can purchase company stock at discounted prices through the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Our Headquarters
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 219 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 125,000 bpd of combined refining capacity and related multimodal logistics systems.
Our Retail Operations
We own and operate over 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and over 30 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
Par Pacific Is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status,genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls or unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.

What Par Pacific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom