As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Refinery Operator II in the United States is $70,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Refinery Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refinery Operator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Refinery Operator II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Refinery Operator I | 0-1 years | $60,107 |
| Refinery Operator II | 1-3 years | $70,823 |
| Refinery Operator III | 3-5 years | $85,023 |
| Refinery Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $114,606 |
| Refinery Operations Manager | 5+ years | $150,054 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Refinery Operator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.52% |
| Work Ethic | 2.38% |
| Mechanical Aptitude | 1.19% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Refinery Operator IIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Refinery Operator II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,791 and $72,400).
Refinery Operator II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 36.4% |
| High School | 36.4% |
| Associates | 27.3% |
| Bachelors | 27.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 9.1% |
Understanding how a Refinery Operator II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Refinery Operator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Refinery Operator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,023 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for a Refinery Operator II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,388 in 2023 to around $74,834 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Refinery Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $75,388 |
| 2024 | $75,489 |
| 2025 | $74,834 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Refinery Operator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Refinery Operator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Refinery Operator II is $89,329.
The highest pay for Refinery Operator II is $82,110.
The lowest pay for Refinery Operator II is $57,458.
Controls equipment systems that process natural gas or petroleum into specified products. Monitors gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure safe and efficient operations. Adjusts temperature, pressure, and flow as needed to maintain optimal process conditions. Performs routine inspections and basic troubleshooting of equipment. Maintains logs and complies with safety and environmental regulations. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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