1

Valero Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Realistic Job Preview Valero conducts a comprehensive, on-the-job training program designed to ... Refinery or chemical process operator experience preferred. * Associate degree in process ...

Refinery Operator Trainee

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$43.92 - $62.14/hr

Realistic Job Preview Valero conducts a comprehensive, on-the-job training program designed to ... Refinery or chemical process operator experience preferred. * Associate degree in process ...

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to ... As a Sr. Refinery Inspector you will ensure that refinery fixed equipment is reliable and safe to ...

Manager Refinery Safety

Ardmore, OK

$63K - $84K/yr

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to ... As a Refinery Safety Manager you will direct the Health and Safety programs and ensures readiness ...

Description Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are ... As a Refinery Safety Manager you will direct the Health and Safety programs and ensures readiness ...

Description Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are ... As a Sr. Refinery Inspector you will ensure that refinery fixed equipment is reliable and safe to ...

Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero St. Charles Refinery, required. Preferred Requirements: * Bachelor's degree (or higher) or foreign equivalent degree - Computer Science ...

It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there ...

As a Sr Environmental Engineer you will ensure the Refinery complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's rules and regulations. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy ...

Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery, required. High School diploma or GED required. 3 years of refinery/petrochemical safety permitting experience required.

Valero is looking for a passionate and technically accomplished Data Scientist to develop and deploy AI solutions that solve real-world challenges across our refining and commercial operations. In ...

As a Sr. Environmental Engineer, you will ensure the Refinery complies with the EPA, TCEQ, and other agency environmental rules and regulations. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Valero Refinery information

See salary details

$35.5K

$41.9K

$47.5K

How much do valero refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for valero refinery in the United States is $41,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Valero refinery closing in 2026?

There are no publicly available plans indicating that Valero Refinery will close in 2026. Refinery operations typically depend on market conditions, regulatory factors, and company strategies, which can change over time. Job seekers should stay informed through official company announcements for the most accurate information.

What is a Valero Refinery?

A Valero Refinery is an industrial facility operated by Valero Energy Corporation that processes crude oil into various petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. Valero is one of the largest independent refiners in the world, with multiple refineries located primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These refineries use advanced technology to maximize efficiency and meet environmental standards, supplying fuel for transportation, industry, and consumers. Working at a Valero Refinery typically involves roles in operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, and administration.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for engineers working at a Valero Refinery?

Engineers at a Valero Refinery frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including operations, maintenance, safety, and environmental departments. This teamwork is essential for troubleshooting equipment issues, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Regular meetings, project planning sessions, and on-site coordination are common, allowing engineers to contribute their technical expertise while learning from other specialists. Such collaboration not only enhances problem-solving but also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities within the refinery.

How much does a refinery operator trainee make at Valero?

A refinery operator trainee at Valero typically earns an entry-level salary that ranges from $20 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience. Trainees often receive on-the-job training and may need to obtain certifications such as OSHA or process safety management to advance in the role.

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

AspectValero RefineryValero Refinery Operator
Primary RoleOversees refinery operations, manages processes, and ensures safety and efficiencyPerforms hands-on operation of equipment, monitors processes, and maintains safety protocols
Required CredentialsTechnical degree or relevant experience, safety certificationsTechnical training, safety certifications, and operational experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based supervision with on-site presenceOn-site, hands-on operational environment
Industry UsageManagement and oversight roles in refineriesOperational roles directly involved in refining processes

Valero Refinery roles focus on overseeing refinery operations and management, while Valero Refinery Operators are responsible for the hands-on operation of equipment and processes. Both roles require safety certifications and technical knowledge, but differ mainly in scope and daily responsibilities.

How much do Valero workers make?

Valero refinery workers' salaries vary based on role, experience, and location, but the average annual pay for refinery operators and technicians ranges from $70,000 to $100,000. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000, with opportunities for overtime and shift differentials. Skilled workers with certifications and experience tend to earn higher wages.

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

To thrive as a refinery operator at Valero, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, strong mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of industrial safety protocols. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process simulation software, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a complex, high-stakes environment.
More about Valero Refinery jobs
What cities are hiring for Valero Refinery jobs? Cities with the most Valero Refinery job openings:
What states have the most Valero Refinery jobs? States with the most job openings for Valero Refinery jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Valero Refinery jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Valero Refinery jobs are:
Infographic showing various Valero Refinery job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,940 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Refinery Operator Trainee

Refinery Operator Trainee

Valero

Los Angeles, CA

$43.92 - $62.14/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Valero rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

The refinery operator is responsible for maintaining product quality in a safe manner. Typical job duties may include performing visual rounds for assigned area, assessing equipment operation, taking instrument readings, communicating with console operator, supervision, and other refinery personnel, preparing equipment for scheduled maintenance, performing preventative maintenance, performing basic instrument and equipment troubleshooting to determine if technician support is required, making equipment adjustments to optimize performance, maintaining housekeeping for common and assigned areas, and complying with all environmental and safety procedures.  This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Please click on the following link to learn more about the daily tasks of an operator in a Valero refinery: Realistic Job Preview

Valero conducts a comprehensive, on-the-job training program designed to provide new employees a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are necessary for success as a Valero Operator. This required 10-week, instructor led program includes multiple content modules, including math, pumps, heat exchangers, operator duties, and so forth. Because mastering this content is critical to future job success, knowledge proficiency assessments are incorporated throughout the modules. It is required that participants successfully complete these assessments; as such, failure to pass a specific test three times or a total of four test failures throughout the training program will result in the termination of employment. This training program will prepare individuals for the continuous learning environment that is essential for success.

The hourly rate for this position is $38.54 up to FQT $54.53 (12hr rate) and $43.92  up to $62.14 (8hr rate) and represents Valero's good faith and reasonable estimate of the expected compensation at the time of this posting.  Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications and experience.

  • High school diploma or GED required. 
  • Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Refinery or chemical process operator experience preferred.
  • Associate degree in process operations preferred.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Wilmington Refinery, required.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be invited to take on-line assessments. Communications regarding the assessments will be delivered via email. Be sure to check your spam and junk mailboxes for these communications as they are system generated.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.

About the Wilmington Refinery
The Valero Wilmington Refinery was commissioned in 1969 and has had three major expansions to become a fully integrated refinery and several upgrades to meet clean-fuel standards. The Wilmington refinery processes a blend of California and foreign crude oil, as well as unfinished feedstocks from local and foreign sources. Given its coking and desulfurizing capabilities, it is particularly well-suited to process lower-cost heavy, high-sulfur crude oils and feedstocks. The refinery also produces 15 percent of the asphalt supply in southern California. Refined products are distributed from the Wilmington refinery through a network of third-party pipelines and terminals in southern California, Nevada and Arizona, and then on to wholesale and retail customers.

Valero will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.


Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  


What Valero employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom