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Refinery Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day * Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product ...

Staff Refinery Operations Specialist

Tyler, TX · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day * Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product ...

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Refinery information

See Texas salary details

$33.1K

$39.1K

$44.3K

How much do refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery in Texas is $39,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,400.00 and $43,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is a massive industrial operation where a specific chemical engineering process is used to convert raw materials into usable products. One example is a refinery that turns crude oil into a range of products, such as petroleum, diesel, and heating oil. Sugar refineries take harvested cane or beets and convert the plants’ natural sugars into a crystallized form for sale in grocery stores or use in food production. Metal refineries may process a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for a variety of purposes like manufacturing steel beams for use in the construction industry.

What is a refinery?

A refinery is an industrial facility where raw materials—most commonly crude oil—are processed and transformed into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, purifying, and converting the raw materials through various physical and chemical methods. Refineries play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, ensuring that crude oil and other feedstocks are converted into market-ready fuels and products. Workers in refineries typically specialize in areas like operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control to ensure efficient and safe production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification relevant to industrial operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for effectively managing operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a refinery, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working in a refinery often involves navigating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and operating in a fast-paced environment. New employees may find the scale of operations and the emphasis on teamwork and communication challenging at first. To prepare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry safety standards, develop strong attention to detail, and be open to ongoing training. Building good relationships with more experienced colleagues can also help ease the transition and provide valuable on-the-job insights.

What is the difference between Refinery vs Petrochemical Technician?

AspectRefineryPetrochemical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, processing units, industrial plantsPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining industryIn chemical and petrochemical industries

Refinery workers focus on processing crude oil into usable products, while petrochemical technicians work in chemical plants producing plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but refinery roles are more centered on oil processing, whereas petrochemical technicians specialize in chemical manufacturing processes.

How to get a job in a refinery?

To get a job in a refinery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical skills, and safety training. Many positions require certifications such as OSHA or process safety management, and experience in industrial environments is often preferred. Applying through company career portals or staffing agencies and demonstrating knowledge of refinery operations can improve chances of employment.

Is it hard to get into a refinery?

Getting a job as a refinery worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER. Entry-level positions may be available, but higher-skilled roles typically demand technical knowledge and prior industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Refinery jobs in Texas?

For Refinery jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Refinery jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Refinery job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,074 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Data Collection Operator, Lithium Refinery

Robstown, TX • On-site


Tesla

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 688 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 45 rated automakers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

What to Expect Tesla'sin-house Lithium Refinery,locatedin the greater Corpus Christi area of Texas, is critical to our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. This investment aims to increase the supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in North America. We are seeking multipleData CollectionOperators to join our team and help further our missionwhile collecting valuable data for our AI programs. This position involvesdatacollectionthroughmonitoringand recordingactivitiesrefineryoperations activities;quality control sampling, equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, and loading/unloading finished goods and raw materials.DataCollectionOperators work on a rotating shift team, focusing on field chemical unit operations to safely run process systems and associated equipment during their shift. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, besafetyconscious, display attention to detail, be adaptable, havegood communicationskills, and work well in a team-based environment.
What You'll Do
  • Performdata collection tasks such asmanipulation of objects, walk pre-determined routes, followtestingguidelinesand test protocolsatTesla facilities andinpublic environments
  • Wear motion capture equipment while performing designated movements and actions based on project requirements
  • Start/stop recording devices and perform minor equipment and software debugging
  • Provide feedback on the performance of the equipment
  • Analyze and report on data collected during shift
  • Upload data collected andwritedaily reports detailing observations and issues
  • Maintain equipment in safe workingcondition, prioritize safety protocols, and communicate with leadership promptly

What You'll Bring
  • Must be able to walk 7+ hours a day while carrying up to 50lbs. ofvarious typesof equipment
  • Height between 5'7" and 6' as role requires the use of motion capture equipment
  • Continuous hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation, body coordination, and kinesthetic awareness and ability to walk up/downstairs
  • High attention to detail, ability to follow precise instructions, and basicproficiencywith software for data upload and reporting
  • Ability to perform technical troubleshooting on equipment and willingness to learnnew technologiesquickly
  • Able to successfully work on a rotating shift schedule, also known as a Dupont schedule
  • Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal

Essential Physical Demands

  • Ability to climb stairs, stand for extended periods, and safely lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Perform frequent bending and lifting
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods, including a respirator and safety harness
  • Pass pulmonary function tests and physical exam for respirator use and be prepared to potentially be in a fit test program

Compensation and Benefits Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program

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