Life As a Petroleum Pump System Operator
Petroleum Pump System Operator Example 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.
Daily Life Of a Petroleum Pump System Operator
- Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
- Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
- Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
- Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
- Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Petroleum Pump System Operator
These are the skills Petroleum Pump System Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Petroleum Pump System Operator
- Operations Boardman
- Pumper Helper
- Hydrotreater Operator
- Control Panel Wireman
- In-House Technician
Job Opportunities for Petroleum Pump System Operators
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 41,800 jobs in the United States for Petroleum Pump System Operator. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Petroleum Pump System Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Petroleum Pump System Operator are Utah, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Missouri, California, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Petroleum Pump System Operator Average Salary
The salary for Petroleum Pump System Operators ranges between about $44,000 and $98,480 a year.

Petroleum Pump System Operators who work in California, Illinois, or South Carolina, make the highest salaries.
How much do Petroleum Pump System Operators make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $52,630 |
Alaska | $78,810 |
Arizona | $54,690 |
Arkansas | $58,680 |
California | $81,310 |
Colorado | $77,390 |
Connecticut | $57,140 |
Florida | $50,840 |
Georgia | $60,220 |
Illinois | $79,260 |
Indiana | $56,420 |
Iowa | $67,420 |
Kansas | $63,480 |
Kentucky | $65,570 |
Louisiana | $71,930 |
Maryland | $48,890 |
Massachusetts | $56,340 |
Michigan | $59,700 |
Minnesota | $61,720 |
Missouri | $47,820 |
Montana | $80,340 |
Nebraska | $68,650 |
New Hampshire | $63,840 |
New Mexico | $69,090 |
New York | $53,470 |
North Carolina | $58,420 |
North Dakota | $70,900 |
Ohio | $69,250 |
Oklahoma | $71,020 |
Oregon | $73,580 |
Pennsylvania | $59,430 |
South Carolina | $73,460 |
South Dakota | $54,280 |
Tennessee | $48,820 |
Texas | $72,610 |
Utah | $65,300 |
Virginia | $50,630 |
Washington | $60,990 |
West Virginia | $68,440 |
Wisconsin | $62,390 |
Wyoming | $74,270 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Petroleum Pump System Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Petroleum Pump System Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Inventory tracking software
How do I Become a Petroleum Pump System Operator?
What education is needed to be a Petroleum Pump System Operator?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Petroleum Pump System Operator?

Where Petroleum Pump System Operators Work

Below are examples of industries where Petroleum Pump System Operators work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Career changers with experience as a Petroleum Pump System Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |