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Energy

Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operator, and Gauger

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.

Annual openings

32

Median wage

$93,750

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

Short-term on-the-job training and experience is expected.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
  2. Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
  3. Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
  4. Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
  5. Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
  6. Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
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