Energy
CAREER TYPE
Refinery or Plant Operator
A crucial petroleum career that is anything but ordinary. Training as a refinery or plant operator will empower you to work in complex manufacturing facilities or for energy and chemical producers.
Career Type Key Facts
Salary Range Potential:
$45,000 - $100,000+/YEAR
Education Required:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL DEGREE
Skills Needed:
PROBLEM-SOLVING + COMPUTER SKILLS
Types of Employers:
OIL REFINERIES, PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURING
Refinery operators are in high demand. Petroleum refineries employ a range of skilled professionals who generate the energy used across all industries every day. Refineries are vast, complex operations, so refinery operators work to ensure that high quality and safety standards are consistently met.
The best refinery operators show an acute attention to detail and observation skills. They are able to monitor multiple processes at once so that preventative measures can be taken before problems arise, and they work well as part of a shift team.
With the recent surge in U.S. oil and natural gas production, the Southeast is experiencing an enormous expansion of refining and chemicals manufacturing facilities. Earning potential is high in petroleum and petrochemicals refining, with pay for trained professionals starting around $40,000 and the potential to grow to $100,000 or more with experience.