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What is a refiner operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a refiner operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.22 an hour? That's $39,975 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -7% and produce -8,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRefiner OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,975

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.29%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 7.79%

Hispanic or Latino 12.65%

Unknown 4.48%

White 70.95%

Gender

female 12.12%

male 87.88%

Age - 47.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47.5
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a refiner operator

  1. Explore refiner operator education requirements

    Most common refiner operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    60.0 %

    Associate

    32.0 %

    Bachelor's

    4.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific refiner operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Control Room86.67%
    GMP13.33%
  3. Complete relevant refiner operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New refiner operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a refiner operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real refiner operator resumes.
  4. Research refiner operator duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
    • Prepare asphalt mixtures per customer requirements, load and unload tankers and monitor tanks and assist with paperwork
    • Conduct rig movements during drilling operations.
  5. Prepare your refiner operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your refiner operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a refiner operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable refiner operator resume templates

    Build a professional refiner operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your refiner operator resume.
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
    Refiner Operator Resume
  6. Apply for refiner operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a refiner operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first refiner operator job

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Average refiner operator salary

The average refiner operator salary in the United States is $39,975 per year or $19 per hour. Refiner operator salaries range between $29,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average refiner operator salary
$39,975 Yearly
$19.22 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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