Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary
The median petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary in the United States is $96,710 per year ($46.50/hour). Salaries range from $57,110 at the entry level to $115,880+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 33,160 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 2.8% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$96,710
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.50
per hour
Employment
33,160
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$57,110
25th percentile
$77,510
Median
$96,710
75th percentile
$106,320
90th percentile
$115,880
Job Growth (2024-2034)
-2.8%
Decline
Annual Openings
3,200
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Training Needed
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$57K$125K■ No data
Top Paying States
Alaska
$125K
+29%
Louisiana
$107K
+10%
Utah
$106K
+10%
Ohio
$105K
+9%
New Jersey
$105K
+8%
Washington
$104K
+7%
California
$103K
+7%
Illinois
$103K
+6%
Minnesota
$102K
+5%
Kansas
$102K
+5%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $124,530 | +28.8% |
| Louisiana | $106,640 | +10.3% |
| Utah | $105,980 | +9.6% |
| Ohio | $105,150 | +8.7% |
| New Jersey | $104,540 | +8.1% |
| Washington | $103,620 | +7.1% |
| California | $103,250 | +6.8% |
| Illinois | $102,890 | +6.4% |
| Minnesota | $101,910 | +5.4% |
| Kansas | $101,880 | +5.3% |
Showing 1–10 of 42
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $117,660 | +21.7% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $111,370 | +15.2% |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $109,390 | +13.1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $108,420 | +12.1% |
| Toledo, OH | $107,520 | +11.2% |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $107,490 | +11.1% |
| Wichita, KS | $107,260 | +10.9% |
| Tulsa, OK | $107,170 | +10.8% |
| Ogden, UT | $105,980 | +9.6% |
| Bellingham, WA | $105,640 | +9.2% |
Showing 1–10 of 50
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers earning $96,710/year would need 616 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 662 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salary trend (2011–2024) →