Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers 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.
Table of contents
What they do
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers 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.
- 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.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Petroleum Pump System Operators conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties. They maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
A typical day for a Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operator, and Gauger will also include:
- Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
- Inspect pipelines, tightening connections, and lubricating valves as necessary.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Petroleum Pump System Operators also calculate test result values, using standard formulas. They may also coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Petroleum Pump System Operators prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products. They might also synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
In addition, they clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
To some Petroleum Pump System Operators, it is also their responsibility to patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
80% said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they found their job meaningful.
My Key Responsibilities
Some of my key responsibilities are managing the pipeline terminal, there are several pipelines that connect to my terminal and I’m in charge of managing which tank product goes into off the pipeline, we have several different kinds of products at our terminal.
I also sample and test all the product to make sure it meets the required specs, make sure I have enough inventory to pump out on the pipeline to other terminals and to fill trucks at our truck loading rack, help truck drivers when needed, and perform maintenance tasks.
My pipeline terminal also has a rail spur so I offload product from rail-cars into the tanks and load rail-cars so they can be shipped to other locations.
We do a lot of paperwork too because all the tasks we perform need to be documented per government regulation. We get audited by several different agencies frequently. Besides the work I do at the pipeline terminal I also drive along our pipeline and do inspections and maintenance.
We also line locate our pipelines for crews that are doing work in the area so that they don’t accidentally hit it.
My Typical Day
Everyday is different but I usually have some variation of daily tasks I need to complete, I deal with problems that might pop up at any time, and we complete a lot of paperwork and documentation. Planning ahead and being organized is very important in my role. We do a lot of multi-tasking and what we do today affects what we will be able to do tomorrow and the next day so it’s very important to always be thinking ahead. We also have to be adaptable though because change can happen in an instant and we have to be able to adjust our work accordingly. I would say typically my job is 50/50 between work outdoors and work inside although it varies from day to day.
Pros
Every day is different, it involves a lot of problem solving which keeps things interesting, we’re always learning something new, I find the work rewarding even if the general public doesn’t always appreciate it but at the end of they day they all benefit from our services, the pay and benefits are also better than some other industries
Cons
I do work a lot of hours and we work in all conditions. Doesn’t matter what time it is, if it’s a holiday, what the weather is like, if something needs to be done we have to do it. Not everyone is cut out for that type of schedule. Personally, I love it but I know it’s not for everyone so it’s something to consider before getting into the industry.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work both indoors and outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Demand for this career is declining.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $49,420 to $62,090 per year or $24 to $30 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $104,470 | $50 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $94,830 | $46 |
| Median | $78,840 | $38 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $62,090 | $30 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $49,420 | $24 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $93480 | $44.94 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $86060 | $41.38 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $84330 | $40.54 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $81380 | $39.12 |
| Natural Gas Distribution | $80090 | $38.50 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | $79400 | $38.17 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $78330 | $37.66 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $77330 | $37.18 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | $77030 | $37.03 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $76740 | $36.90 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators And Gaugers including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | 20360 | $81380 | $39.12 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | 4280 | $77330 | $37.18 |
| Other Pipeline Transportation | 2730 | $73300 | $35.24 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | 2380 | $79400 | $38.17 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | 2160 | $77030 | $37.03 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | 1850 | $63410 | $30.49 |
| Support Activities for Mining | 1660 | $57600 | $27.69 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 1080 | $93480 | $44.94 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | 870 | $86060 | $41.38 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 670 | $57470 | $27.63 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
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On The Job Training
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Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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