Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
SOC Code: 51-8093 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Advertisement
Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $97,718 | $106,434 | $115,128 | $123,843 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $94,640 | $104,312 | $114,005 | $123,677 |
| Modesto, CA | $92,726 | $102,981 | $113,235 | $123,490 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $94,453 | $104,104 | $113,776 | $123,427 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $90,542 | $101,462 | $112,382 | $123,302 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $89,461 | $100,714 | $111,987 | $123,240 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan area | $90,355 | $100,984 | $111,592 | $122,221 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $86,154 | $97,739 | $109,346 | $120,931 |
| Chico, CA | $73,861 | $88,338 | $102,814 | $117,291 |
| Redding, CA | $73,861 | $88,338 | $102,814 | $117,291 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Active Learning | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 3.6 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.6 |
| Mechanical | 3.5 |
| Administration and Management | 3.5 |
| Mathematics | 3.2 |
| English Language | 3.2 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.0 |
| Chemistry | 3.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 97.0% |
| Some college | 1.7% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 1.3% |
Typical Tasks
- Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
- Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
- Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
- Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Email software Inventory tracking software Programmable logic controller PLC software Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Calculate your wage level for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers →
Advertisement
H-1B Guides & Resources
Looking for an H-1B immigration attorney?
Find experienced immigration lawyers in our attorney directory.