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Refinery Operations Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, utilizing metrics, incident reviews, and feedback from operations, technicians, and engineers to refine processes, tools, and training across ...

Partner with leadership to develop, maintain, and refine budgets that support Quality organization ... Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Finance, Accounting, Engineering or Business related ...

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The Operations Business Partner (OBP) is the strategic "force multiplier" for the Chief Operating ... Act as a support lead for department heads to document, refine, and standardize Operating ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The end goal is fully autonomous refining operations. When you ship here, you can literally watch the physics change. Under the hood, that means training control models inside physically realistic ...

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Refinery Operations information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operations in Michigan is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do operators do in a refinery?

Refinery operators monitor and control equipment used in the processing of crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from gauges and control panels, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient and safe operations.

What are some common challenges faced in refinery operations and how are they typically addressed?

One common challenge in refinery operations is managing the complexity of processes while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Operators must constantly monitor equipment and adjust parameters to optimize production, often responding quickly to changing conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators frequently collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and safety teams to troubleshoot issues. Regular training and adherence to established protocols help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery operations jobs typically require technical training and certifications rather than a college degree, and they can pay around $4,000 or more per week for experienced workers in roles such as senior operators or specialized technicians. High-paying roles in the energy or manufacturing sectors often depend on skills, experience, and certifications like OSHA or process safety management, rather than formal degrees.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In refinery operations, high-level executive roles such as refinery managers or plant directors can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical knowledge, and leadership skills, often supported by industry certifications and a strong understanding of safety and process optimization.

What is the difference between Refinery Operations vs Refinery Maintenance Technician?

AspectRefinery OperationsRefinery Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, and process areasMaintenance workshops, plant floors, and equipment areas
Employer & Industry UsageRefineries, petrochemical plants, energy companiesRefineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilities

Refinery Operations focus on managing and controlling the refining process, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Refinery Maintenance Technicians handle equipment repairs and upkeep. Both roles are essential in the refinery industry and often work closely together to maintain smooth plant operations.

What are refinery operations?

Refinery operations involve the processes and activities required to convert crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. This includes tasks like distillation, cracking, blending, and treating to remove impurities and produce high-quality fuels and chemicals. Operators monitor and control equipment, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and perform routine maintenance to keep the refinery running efficiently. The goal of refinery operations is to maximize output while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

How much do refinery operators make in the US?

Refinery operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in higher-cost-of-living areas earning more. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the refinery environment.

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

To thrive in Refinery Operations, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in engineering or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with process control systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and safety management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations in a highly regulated and complex environment.
Infographic showing various Refinery Operations job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,788 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Refinery Operations Trainee

$49.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 86 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.
Marathon Petroleum Company LP, a major petroleum refiner and marketer, has an immediate opening for a Refinery Operator Trainee in its Detroit, Michigan refinery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operators are responsible for monitoring units under their control while keeping product specs and yields at a maximum. Must be able to startup and shutdown the units and safely operate during process upsets. With knowledge of the process units, must be able to assist other unit operators in their training and day-to-day operations. Other primary responsibilities will include:
  • Managing and monitoring the outside equipment and control functions involved in the Refinery processes.
  • Gathering data from these functions and analyzing and interpreting it into appropriate action as operational adjustments or recommendations.
  • Providing assistance with unit startups, shutdowns and emergency response.
  • Possessing an in-depth knowledge of the physical portion of the plant.

Operators work in a safety-sensitive environment and must successfully complete a rigorous pre-employment assessment process, drug/alcohol/medical screenings, and a background check. To ensure safe operations, new hires must also successfully complete operator qualification training and participate in random drug & alcohol screenings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School graduate or GED equivalent is required.
  • Some college or technical coursework is preferred.
  • Excellent math, computer, communication, and analytical skills are required.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Willing to work 12-hour rotating shift schedule including weekends, holidays and overtime, required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Employees must have the ability to climb over 75 feet, work in confined spaces, wear proper safety equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus as necessary, use hand tools, and work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Schedule: Employees work a rotating Day/Night 12-hour shift schedule, 4 days on and 4 days off, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. with some overtime required. The anticipated start date is November 2, 2026.
Pay and Benefits: The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including a company matched 401k, pension, and medical benefits. Operator Trainees that begin employment in 2026 will receive a starting wage of $35.59/hr. with a scheduled increase to $36.66/hr occurring on February 1, 2027. Once fully qualified or after 9 months (whichever happens sooner), the wage will increase to $39.86/hr. From there, Operators will receive an increase each additional 12 months for a period of 3 years. Operators will also receive an increase on February 1st each year during the life of the collective bargaining agreement. In 2029, employees in the 36+ Month Field Operator classification could expect to reach $47.50/hr, and then $49.17/hr by February 1, 2030.
APPLY ONLINE: If you like working in an industrial process environment, have the above qualifications, and want a challenging opportunity, online applications will be accepted until Thursday July 30th at 11:59 PM EST.
No phone calls, please. All candidates must apply online, and Human Resources cannot accept paper resumes. No paper applications will be distributed or accepted -- all candidates must apply online.
As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.
Location:
Detroit, Michigan
Additional locations:
Job Requisition ID:
00022959
Location Address:
1300 S Fort St
Education:
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 at https://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