Refinery operator vs process operator

The differences between refinery operators and process operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a refinery operator and a process operator. Additionally, a refinery operator has an average salary of $47,058, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.

The top three skills for a refinery operator include safety procedures, ladders and product quality. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Refinery operator vs process operator overview

	Refinery Operator	Process Operator
Yearly salary	$47,058	$37,996
Hourly rate	$22.62	$18.27
Growth rate	7%	3%
Number of jobs	34,423	83,478
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	47	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does a refinery operator do?

Refinery operators oversee the entire production process of the plant operation. Responsibilities for this position are as diverse as the required knowledge fields, including identifying and correcting refinery process issues, operating equipment, monitoring meters and gauges, and meeting set area production goals. It necessitates many knowledge requirements, including, but not at all limited to product quality, control room operations, safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and process conditions.

What does a process operator do?

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Refinery operator vs process operator salary

Refinery operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Refinery Operator	Process Operator
Average salary	$47,058	$37,996
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $73,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	-	Wyoming
Best paying company	-	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between refinery operator and process operator education

There are a few differences between a refinery operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:

	Refinery Operator	Process Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Refinery operator vs process operator demographics

Here are the differences between refinery operators' and process operators' demographics:

	Refinery Operator	Process Operator
Average age	47	46
Gender ratio	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	11%	6%

Differences between refinery operator and process operator duties and responsibilities

Refinery operator example responsibilities.

Manage multiple large volume fermentation tanks simultaneously.
Work include LOTO procedures and gathering oil samples for the onsite lab.
Have knowledge of cryo plant production, amine, and NGL production.
Operate gas/oil fire heat exchangers.
Repair equipment with jsa, loto usuing procedures.
Conduct monthly safety surveys to ensure the unit maintain OSHA compliance.

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Process operator example responsibilities.

Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.

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Refinery operator vs process operator skills

Common refinery operator skills

Safety Procedures, 12%
Ladders, 7%
Product Quality, 7%
Control Room, 6%
Rail Cars, 6%
OSHA, 6%

Common process operator skills

Safety Procedures, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
Ladders, 5%
Customer Service, 4%
Data Entry, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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