Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pay in California
In California, the median pay for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is $49.64 an hour ($103,250 a year). About 3,360 people work in this job there.
That is 7% higher than the U.S. median ($96,710). California ranks 7th of 42 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $35.06 | $72,930 |
| 25% of workers | $46.54 | $96,810 |
| Half of workers (median) | $49.64 | $103,250 |
| 75% of workers | $57.31 | $119,200 |
| 90% of workers | $61.94 | $128,840 |
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $117,660 | 870 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $103,250 | 1,700 |
| Vallejo | $103,040 | 130 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $97,530 | 240 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $85,220 | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $79,840 | 120 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $72,930 | 100 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -1.9% over ten years, little or no change · about 2,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $81,770 |
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $90,650 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $62,580 |
| Power Plant Operators | $105,210 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $78,020 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $57,660 |
| Gas Plant Operators | $130,220 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $87,550 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.