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Refinery Lab Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician - Shift Work

La Porte, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

... Refining USA, Inc. Domain Operations Type of contract Regular position Experience Minimum 3 years ... Work within the Lab system to keep functionality moving. Compile HB's for testing.. * Read ...

Laboratory Technician lll

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Conduct advanced laboratory tests and analyses on crude oil, refined petroleum, and petrochemical ... Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, lab coats ...

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Refinery Lab information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do refinery lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery lab in Houston, TX is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery lab technician?

Refinery lab technicians are professionals who work in laboratories within oil refineries, performing tests and analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. Their main role is to ensure that petroleum products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for quality and safety. They use specialized equipment to conduct tests on samples such as crude oil, fuels, lubricants, and chemicals. The data they generate helps plant operators optimize processes and identify any issues that could affect product quality or environmental compliance. Refinery lab technicians play a crucial part in maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery lab technician?

To thrive as a Refinery Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, analytical techniques, and laboratory safety, usually backed by a relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), gas chromatography, and spectrometry equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for accuracy and teamwork. These skills ensure precise analysis, compliance with safety standards, and reliable support for refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery lab, and how can they be addressed?

Working in a refinery lab often involves managing strict safety protocols, handling hazardous materials, and meeting tight deadlines for sample analysis. Professionals may face challenges such as equipment calibration issues, ensuring accurate test results under pressure, and coordinating effectively with operations and engineering teams. These challenges can be addressed through ongoing safety training, adherence to quality control standards, and fostering open communication with cross-functional teams to promptly address any anomalies or urgent needs.

What is the difference between Refinery Lab vs Petrochemical Laboratory Technician?

AspectRefinery LabPetrochemical Laboratory Technician
Required CertificationsChemistry or Chemical Technology degree, safety trainingSimilar certifications, often with additional industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical processing plantsPetrochemical plants, refineries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn petrochemical manufacturing and refining

Refinery Lab technicians focus on testing and analyzing samples within oil refineries, while Petrochemical Laboratory Technicians work in petrochemical plants with similar responsibilities. Both roles require chemistry backgrounds and safety training, but their work environments and industry focus differ slightly, with refinery labs centered on crude oil processing and petrochemical labs on chemical production.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Lab jobs in Houston, TX?

For Refinery Lab jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Lab jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Lab jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Refinery Lab jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Refinery Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery Lab job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,152 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

$45.25 - $54.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

An exciting career awaits you


At MPC, we're committed to being a great place to work - one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.

The Galveston Bay Refinery (GBR) has an opening for aLaboratory Technicianlocated in Texas City, TX.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
Understands and adheres to all written analytical and Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established by MPC
Understands, adheres to, and maintains all Safety, Statistical Quality Control (SQC) and test method procedures
Participates actively in communication meetings, including surfacing hazards/concerns and suggestions for improvement
Disposes of all samples per site procedures
Receives, logs, and prepares samples for testing
Enters routine sample results accurately into LIMS as soon as practical and special sample results as soon as obtained. Communicates promptly with customers
Performs sample pickup utilizing company vehicle within the refinery
Operates as an effective laboratory team.Each member's actions reflect the team and have a direct effect on how the lab, the refinery, and the MPC organization achieve their mission
Effectively communicates with peer technicians, chemists, supervision, and outside departments
Makes proper relief in work area. Communicates pending analyses, instrument problems, SQC concerns, operational issues affecting the lab, and off-spec results
Completes all required Instructor Lead Training (ILT) and Computer Based Training (CBT) modules by due date
Keeps work areas clean and orderly to maintain a high level of safety and efficiency
Reviews SQC chart after each standard entry for the associated analysis.Completes corrective action forms for out-of-control points and communicates to appropriate chemist and/or supervisor
Performs daily QC checks on lab instrumentation to ensure quality assurance.
Understands and maintains laboratory documentation practices
Supports Laboratory continuous improvement by training fellow lab technicians in the use of instruments, methods, and SOPs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITY:
Understanding of the SQC process desired
Strong adaptability to a quickly changing work environment
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong mechanical aptitude, organizational skills, verbal, and written communication skills are required
Ability to physically perform all duties required which may involve (among others): bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, lifting and carrying loads up to 50 lbs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or science equivalent with a minimum of 4 college level courses in Chemistry and 2 college level Chemistry labs required.(Education must be obtained/completed prior to start date)
One year or more of experience in QC/production laboratory in petroleum refining, petrochemical industry laboratory, or analytical laboratory preferred.
Familiarity and knowledge of the testing methods and chemical substances used in a refining lab is ideal.
Must be able to work a rotating 12-hour shift, which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and vacation coverage for peers.
Must be able to complete Health Questionnaire and pass drug testing and background check
A valid drivers license is required.

Pay starts at $45.25-$54.19 per hour depending on years of experience. Employment also includes a highly competitive benefits package.

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

Location:

Texas City, Texas

Additional locations:

Job Requisition ID:

00023303

Location Address:

2401 5th Ave S

Education:

Bachelors (Required)

Employee Group:

Full time

Employee Subgroup:

Regular

Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available athttps://mympcbenefits.com.The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.


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About Marathon Petroleum

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, US, is a leading independent petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Their official website can be found at marathonpetroleum.com. The company, part of the energy sector, was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest petroleum companies in the US. It operates an integrated refining, marketing and transportation system concentrated primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, East Coast, Southeast and Gulf Coast of the United States. This includes refineries, pipelines, and terminals that process and transport crude oil and refined products.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Findlay, OH, US

Year founded

1887