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Refining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsRefining JobsRefining Jobs in California

Refining information

See California salary details

$39K

$66.5K

$88.8K

How much do refining jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for refining in California is $66,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refining vs Processing Plant Operator?

AspectRefiningProcessing Plant Operator
Primary FocusConverting raw materials into refined products like gasoline, diesel, or chemicalsOperating and monitoring equipment in processing plants to produce various products
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, petrochemical facilitiesProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical plants
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil, gas, and chemical industriesUsed across manufacturing, chemical, and energy sectors

Refining involves the chemical and physical processes to convert raw materials into usable products, often in specialized refineries. Processing Plant Operators focus on operating equipment within processing plants to ensure efficient production. While both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, refining emphasizes chemical processing, whereas processing plant operators manage day-to-day operations in manufacturing environments.

What are some of the main challenges professionals face when working in a refining role, and how can they overcome them?

Professionals in refining roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety standards, managing complex equipment, and adapting to evolving environmental regulations. Daily responsibilities typically involve monitoring process units, troubleshooting operational issues, and collaborating with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and continuous training can help overcome these challenges, ensuring safe and efficient plant operations. Effective communication and teamwork are also essential for addressing unexpected situations and achieving production goals.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the refining industry, high-level roles such as refinery managers, process engineers, and senior technical specialists can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience and specialized skills. These positions often require advanced certifications, strong technical knowledge, and work in demanding environments, sometimes involving shift work or on-site presence.

How much do oil refiners make?

Oil refiners, or refinery operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, and the job often requires working in industrial environments with shift schedules.

What is refining?

Refining is the industrial process of transforming raw materials, such as crude oil, into useful products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. The process involves removing impurities and separating components through various methods, including distillation, cracking, and chemical treatment. Refineries play a critical role in the energy sector by ensuring that crude oil is converted into products that meet quality and environmental standards. The refining industry also includes the processing of metals and other materials, but it is most commonly associated with petroleum. Careers in refining can involve engineering, operations, safety, and environmental management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a refining role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a refining role, you need a strong background in chemical engineering or process technology, along with knowledge of refinery operations and safety protocols. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process simulation software, and certifications such as OSHA or relevant safety training are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations.

Is it hard to get into refinery jobs?

Refinery jobs can be competitive and often require relevant technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or process operator licenses. Entry-level positions may be accessible with a high school diploma, but advancing in the field typically requires experience and specialized training.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In refining or related industries, high-paying roles such as refinery managers or senior process engineers can earn $10,000 or more monthly, often requiring extensive experience and technical skills rather than a formal degree. Skilled trades like industrial maintenance or specialized technical positions may also reach this income level through certifications and on-the-job training.
What are popular job titles related to Refining jobs in California? For Refining jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refining jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refining jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refining jobs? Cities in California with the most Refining job openings:
Refining jobs near you

Refinery Project Engineer

Innovation Consulting

Visalia, CA • On-site

$55 - $80/hr

Per diem

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Refinery Project Engineer


Type: W2 Contract or C2C — Innovation Consulting LLC

Location: Bakersfield, CA (Onsite)

Rate: $55–$80/hr DOE

Duration: 2–3 month initial engagement; strong potential for continuation

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Openings: 1–2 positions


About the Role

We are partnered with a nationwide engineering and project management firm to place one to two Refinery Project Engineers on assignment in Bakersfield, CA. This onsite role embeds with the firm’s project team at a petroleum refining facility, supporting front-end loading (FEL-1) capital project development across a defined scope of small capital and sustaining CAPEX projects. The scope is well-defined and the team is established.

W2 and corp-to-corp (C2C) arrangements are both available for this engagement. Successful candidates will be employed by Innovation Consulting LLC and placed on assignment with our client.

Local candidates are strongly preferred. Candidates located outside commutable distance to the site must be willing to relocate to the Bakersfield metro area for the duration of the assignment. Per diem is not available for this role.

Interviews are active — apply now for immediate consideration.


Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Project Development

•     Support project scoping across multiple refinery disciplines including mechanical, piping, civil, electrical, instrumentation, and process

•     Develop FEL-1 level cost estimates and associated basis documentation for assigned capital projects

•     Build and maintain project schedules aligned with evolving scope maturity

•     Review, interpret, and work from P&IDs, plot plans, and basic engineering documents

Coordination & Delivery

•     Coordinate with facility Project Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, and Technical Services

•     Assemble complete FEL-1 project packages including defined scope, assumptions, risks, and deliverables


Qualifications

Required

•     3+ years of experience scoping refinery, petrochemical, or industrial capital projects

•     Strong working knowledge of P&IDs and refinery/plant systems

•     Hands-on experience with early-phase capital project development (FEL-1 or equivalent front-end loading methodology)

•     Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines and plant functions

•     Onsite availability for the full duration of the assignment; must be able to report onsite daily

Preferred

•     Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, or related discipline)

•     Professional Engineer (PE) license

•     PMP or equivalent project management certification

•     Proficiency in project scheduling tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent)

•     Brownfield CAPEX or turnaround experience in a refinery environment

•     Familiarity with refinery safety programs and work permitting processes


Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: W2 employee of Innovation Consulting LLC, placed on assignment with our client; C2C arrangements considered for qualified candidates

Rate: $55–$80/hr DOE; commensurate with experience and qualifications

Duration: 2–3 month initial engagement; strong potential for continuation

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Benefits: Payroll processing, compliance administration, and benefits through Innovation Consulting LLC


Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.