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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$31

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Michigan is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.30 and $20.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Refinery Operator Trainee do?

A Refinery Operator Trainee learns how to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in turning crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety protocols, read gauges, adjust controls, and troubleshoot issues within the refinery. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced operators and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge. This role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges a Refinery Operator Trainee may face during their initial training period?

As a Refinery Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as mastering complex control systems, understanding detailed safety protocols, and adapting to shift work, which often includes nights and weekends. The learning curve can be steep due to the technical nature of the processes and the need to respond quickly and accurately to potential operational issues. However, most facilities provide structured training programs and mentorship to help trainees build confidence and competence in both routine operations and emergency responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a hazardous environment.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator Trainee vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery Operator TraineeRefinery Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety and technical trainingAdditional experience and certifications; advanced technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning-focusedOperational, hands-on, responsible for daily plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic equipment operationMonitoring processes, adjusting equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Refinery Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Refinery Operator is fully responsible for plant operations. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas operators perform routine and complex tasks independently.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Michigan? For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,211 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Refinery Operations Trainee

$49.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 77 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