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Refinery Process Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for overseeing the operations of used oil re-refining process including associated tank farms and utilities functions. Main point of contact between shipping/receiving, maintenance and ...

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Refinery Process information

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$71.5K

$137.4K

$233K

How much do refinery process jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery process in the United States is $137,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are refinery process operators?

Refinery process operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and systems that convert raw crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They manage the flow of materials, adjust temperatures and pressures, and ensure that operations run safely and efficiently. Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Their work is critical to the smooth functioning of oil refineries and the production of energy products.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in refinery process roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in refinery process roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining operational safety, troubleshooting complex equipment, and adapting to evolving environmental regulations. Managing process upsets while minimizing downtime requires strong analytical skills and close attention to detail. Effective communication and collaboration with maintenance, engineering, and safety teams are essential to quickly resolve issues and implement process improvements. Ongoing training and staying updated on best practices can help overcome these challenges and ensure safe, efficient refinery operations.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a relevant technical diploma or certificate. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), safety protocols, and process monitoring tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators manage complex operations and respond to issues quickly. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, maintaining efficiency, and minimizing downtime in refinery operations.

What does a process operator do in a refinery?

A process operator in a refinery monitors and controls the equipment and processes involved in refining crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from control systems, perform routine inspections, and respond to operational issues to ensure safety and efficiency. The role often requires technical training, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of control room systems and instrumentation.

What is the difference between Refinery Process vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery ProcessRefinery Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degrees in chemical or process engineeringOn-the-job training, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and supervision of refining operationsHands-on operation of equipment in refinery plants
Industry UsageInvolved in process design, optimization, and troubleshootingFocuses on operating and monitoring refinery machinery

Refinery Process roles typically involve designing and optimizing refining procedures, requiring technical knowledge and planning skills. Refinery Operators focus on the day-to-day operation and monitoring of equipment. Both roles are essential in the refining industry but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery process job typically requires relevant technical skills, such as knowledge of chemical or mechanical processes, and often involves completing certifications like OSHA or process safety management. Entry-level positions may be accessible with a high school diploma or technical training, but more advanced roles usually demand experience and specialized education, making competition moderate to high depending on the position and location.

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

In the refinery process industry, senior roles such as refinery managers, plant directors, and chief engineers can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and performance bonuses. These positions often require advanced technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and industry certifications, and may involve working in high-pressure environments with long hours.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery process jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or experience; however, roles such as experienced plant operators or supervisors in the oil and gas industry can reach that level with on-the-job training and certifications. High-paying positions often require technical knowledge, safety training, and relevant experience rather than formal degrees.
More about Refinery Process jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Process jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Process job openings:
What states have the most Refinery Process jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Process jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery Process job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,385 per year, or $66.1 per hour.
Refining Chemical Engineering Intern/Co-op Spring 2027

Refining Chemical Engineering Intern/Co-op Spring 2027

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

El Paso, TX • On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 74 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.

Responsibilities:

As a Chemical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with process equipment fundamentals and best practices, build critical thinking skills, and gain an understanding of how all engineering disciplines work together as a cohesive team. You will also gain knowledge of various aspects of a refinery by working with a team of professionals who run a specific portion of the refining process. Most often, Chemical Engineers will have an opportunity to work on more than one area of the refinery, leading to a broad understanding of how the plant operates. Finally, you will have the opportunity to expand your written and verbal presentation skills in a professional work environment.

Most Chemical Engineering co-ops and interns enter into the following positions:

Process / Technical Service Engineersmay work on a variety of projects in the Technical Services Department together with your mentor that put your classroom experience as a Chemical Engineer into practice. The vast majority of our Chemical Engineering interns/co-ops work in this area. The experience will expand your understanding of the refining environment and technical aspects of the refinery. Past projects/duties include: develop and lead test runs to optimize refinery operations; perform process engineering calculations concerning the various process technology (or equipment) in the refinery; monitor and make recommendations in regards to catalyst and adsorbents; complete projects and provide recommendations for improvements to the refinery process and equipment.

Operations Research Engineersmay help develop planning, blending, scheduling, and process models for refinery engineers. The models are used to optimize crude oil purchasing, refinery production, blending and finished product scheduling, and optimization of refinery production. Typical college co-op assignments include: validation of production data and mass balancing, process modeling, and development of graphical interfaces of refinery process units.

Environmental Engineerswork on projects that involve the compliance of the entire refinery, and you will be exposed to the majority of process units in the refinery. You will be applying the engineering principles and calculations to various environmental projects and will also give you a broad knowledge of the various environmental laws that are applicable to refineries and what it takes to maintain compliance with those laws. Past projects/duties include: perform process calculations for the Risk Management Plan, including taking physical surveys of refinery process units; work on various process engineering projects within a Wastewater Treatment Plant; participate in inspections and/or testing that is conducted by federal, state, or local officials.

Products Control / Economics Engineersmay work on a wide array of projects including operations, blending, and refinery economics. You will gain an understanding of how a tank farm is operated and how gasoline and other products are prepared and shipped to customers. In addition, you will gain some exposure to the overall economics of the refinery and how operating decisions are made based upon these economics. Past projects/duties include: analyze refinery process flow data and compare to recommended optimum levels, this will help in identifying equipment failures which cause variances in capacity from the optimum levels; update information on gasoline blends and tank samples in preparation for an annual blender waiver audit; develop applications to better present process data for refinery operating decisions.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be majoring in Chemical Engineering
  • Strong academic performance
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a full-time indefinite basis without the need for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Positions are available spring, summer, and fall semesters
  • Availability for multiple work terms is preferred
  • A valid driver's license is required
  • Concurrent enrollment in a degree seeking program
  • Military experience a plus
  • MIN - $33.54 - $42.45 MAX

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum's benefits at www.mympcbenefits.com

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

Location:

Findlay, Ohio

Job Requisition ID:

00020447

Pay Min/Max:

$0.00 - $999.99 Hourly

Grade:

HRLY1

Location Address:

539 S Main St

Additional locations:

Anacortes, Washington, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Canton, Ohio, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Detroit, Michigan, El Paso, Texas, Garyville, Louisiana, Kenai, Alaska, Mandan, North Dakota, Martinez, California, Robinson, Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, San Antonio, Texas, St Paul Park, Minnesota, Texas City, Texas, Wilmington, California

Education:

Employee Group:

Part time

Employee Subgroup:

Intern

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 atmympcbenefits.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