Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers work in a specialized role managing systems that handle petroleum products. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $97,540 with about 35,000 people employed. The field is projected to decline slightly, with employment growth of -2.8%, yet there are still an estimated 3,000 annual openings, which suggests ongoing turnover and replacement needs. Many roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, making this a pathway that does not necessarily demand a college degree. Success in this career draws on mechanical ability, physical strength and stamina, and strong attention to detail, as well as problem solving and decision making. Workers also benefit from skills in science, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking. For individuals interested in process-oriented, mechanically focused work with solid earning potential, this occupation can be a structured and well-defined option to explore alongside related fields.
This occupation offers a national median annual salary of $97,540, indicating strong earning potential for workers who qualify. Pay can vary by location. At the state level, California reports a median salary of $103,250, while Washington is similar at $103,620. Colorado shows a median of $93,750, and New York’s is $88,880. Virginia’s reported median salary is $58,970, which is notably lower than the other top states listed. Among metro areas, salaries can be even higher. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro reports a median salary of $117,660, and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro reports $104,540. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro areas also exceed $100,000 in median pay. These differences suggest that location choices can have a meaningful impact on earnings within this field.
National employment for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers stands at about 35,000, with projected employment growth of -2.8%. This indicates a modest overall decline in jobs over the projection period. However, the occupation is expected to have about 3,000 annual openings. These openings are likely tied to workforce turnover and the need to replace workers who leave existing positions. The combination of a shrinking overall employment base with continued openings means job seekers may encounter a more competitive environment in some areas while still finding opportunities in others. Since the same -2.8% growth rate appears across listed states and metro areas, the projected decline is consistent geographically. People considering this career should factor in both the projected contraction and the ongoing flow of openings when planning their long-term path or comparing to similar occupations.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $103,250 and employment of 3,360, paired with the highest state opportunity score listed at 67.38. Washington also offers a six-figure median salary of $103,620 with 930 employed and an opportunity score of 56.29. Colorado and New York show mid-to-upper $80,000–$90,000 salary levels and smaller employment bases, but still solid opportunity scores above 55. Virginia combines employment of 250 with a lower median salary of $58,970 and an opportunity score of 54.96. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ leads with an opportunity score of 77.27 and a median salary of $104,540. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA offers the highest listed metro salary at $117,660 and an opportunity score of 68.75. Large California metros like Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim also feature high pay and sizable employment, illustrating how some specific regions can concentrate both jobs and earnings.
For petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers, the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. This educational pathway makes the field accessible to individuals who complete secondary education and are ready to enter a technically focused role. Because this work is skill-intensive, success depends heavily on on-the-job learning and the development of specific abilities. Key strengths include being detail oriented, having strong mechanical skills, and maintaining physical strength and stamina. Skills in science and mathematics support understanding of the processes involved, while fine motor skills can help with precise operations. Leadership, critical and analytical thinking, and problem solving and decision making are important for overseeing systems and responding to issues. Writing and reading skills contribute to handling documentation and instructions. People who build this combination of practical, cognitive, and physical skills can strengthen their readiness for roles in this occupation or in related fields such as chemical plant and system operators or other listed similar occupations.
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