Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in the United States was $96,710 ($46.50 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $57,110 | $27.46 |
| 25th | $77,510 | $37.27 |
| Median | $96,710 | $46.50 |
| 75th | $106,320 | $51.12 |
| 90th | $115,880 | $55.71 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-8093
- Total U.S. employment: 33,160
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
With approximately 33,160 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $57,110, median pay is $96,710, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $115,880.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $73,510 | $35.34 | -24.0% | 90 |
| Alaska | $124,530 | $59.87 | +28.8% | 370 |
| Arizona | $60,070 | $28.88 | -37.9% | 180 |
| Arkansas | $86,580 | $41.63 | -10.5% | 220 |
| California | $103,250 | $49.64 | +6.8% | 3,360 |
| Colorado | $93,750 | $45.07 | -3.1% | 120 |
| Connecticut | $56,880 | $27.35 | -41.2% | 0 |
| Florida | $63,480 | $30.52 | -34.4% | 170 |
| Georgia | $57,180 | $27.49 | -40.9% | 240 |
| Hawaii | $94,900 | $45.63 | -1.9% | 280 |
| Illinois | $102,890 | $49.47 | +6.4% | 1,070 |
| Indiana | $67,420 | $32.41 | -30.3% | 520 |
| Iowa | $90,160 | $43.34 | -6.8% | 70 |
| Kansas | $101,880 | $48.98 | +5.3% | 950 |
| Kentucky | $78,670 | $37.82 | -18.7% | 520 |
| Louisiana | $106,640 | $51.27 | +10.3% | 3,490 |
| Maine | $65,150 | $31.32 | -32.6% | 60 |
| Maryland | $78,580 | $37.78 | -18.7% | 90 |
| Michigan | $84,030 | $40.40 | -13.1% | 180 |
| Minnesota | $101,910 | $49.00 | +5.4% | 550 |
| Mississippi | $75,180 | $36.15 | -22.3% | 860 |
| Missouri | $80,960 | $38.92 | -16.3% | 100 |
| Montana | $98,310 | $47.26 | +1.7% | 550 |
| Nevada | $62,420 | $30.01 | -35.5% | 30 |
| New Hampshire | $70,050 | $33.68 | -27.6% | 120 |
| New Jersey | $104,540 | $50.26 | +8.1% | 420 |
| New Mexico | $74,340 | $35.74 | -23.1% | 420 |
| New York | $88,880 | $42.73 | -8.1% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $80,060 | $38.49 | -17.2% | 130 |
| North Dakota | $93,130 | $44.77 | -3.7% | 950 |
| Ohio | $105,150 | $50.55 | +8.7% | 800 |
| Oklahoma | $95,140 | $45.74 | -1.6% | 1,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,870 | $40.32 | -13.3% | 820 |
| South Carolina | $58,160 | $27.96 | -39.9% | 70 |
| Tennessee | $96,730 | $46.50 | +0.0% | 170 |
| Texas | $84,100 | $40.43 | -13.0% | 10,510 |
| Utah | $105,980 | $50.95 | +9.6% | 600 |
| Virginia | $58,970 | $28.35 | -39.0% | 250 |
| Washington | $103,620 | $49.82 | +7.1% | 930 |
| West Virginia | $83,910 | $40.34 | -13.2% | 330 |
| Wisconsin | $71,450 | $34.35 | -26.1% | 0 |
| Wyoming | $100,350 | $48.25 | +3.8% | 560 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
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- Dental Assistants — $48,070/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
The median annual wage for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is $96,710 ($46.50 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 33,160 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $46.50. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.