Petroleum System Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work in energy production and management.
Ensure efficient oil flow, crucial for powering industries and daily life.
Operate advanced systems in a dynamic and essential energy sector.

💰 Earn $94K-$113K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -2.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.
Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

3,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$104,410 in California

$94,580 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Time Management

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Petroleum System Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years