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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers to decrease by -1.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 32,900 to 32,300 jobs. Its estimate of 2,700 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($96,710), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
32,900
Projected employment (2034)
32,300
Projected change (2024–2034)
-2%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,700
Pay & Preparation
$96,710
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4/5) • Operation and Control (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.62/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.5/5) • Speaking (3.12/5) • Complex Problem Solving (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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