National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Median Salary
$84,922
Average (Mean)
$85,202
Employed Nationwide
32,610
Gas Plant Operators earns $5,503 more (6.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$90,426
$84,922
Average (Mean) Salary
$88,880
$85,202
Total Employment
16,840
32,610
States with Higher Pay
24
14
Salary by State: Gas Plant Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Gas Plant Operators pays more in 24 states; Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 14.
| State | Gas Plant Operators | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,120 | $73,510 | +$3,610 | ||
| Arizona | $104,600 | $60,070 | +$44,530 | ||
| Arkansas | $100,870 | $86,580 | +$14,290 | ||
| California | $130,220 | $103,250 | +$26,970 | ||
| Colorado | $98,080 | $93,750 | +$4,330 | ||
| Connecticut | $109,060 | $56,880 | +$52,180 | ||
| Florida | $67,170 | $63,480 | +$3,690 | ||
| Georgia | $81,220 | $57,180 | +$24,040 | ||
| Illinois | $97,810 | $102,890 | $-5,080 | ||
| Indiana | $85,790 | $67,420 | +$18,370 | ||
| Iowa | $92,970 | $90,160 | +$2,810 | ||
| Kansas | $80,760 | $101,880 | $-21,120 | ||
| Kentucky | $63,070 | $78,670 | $-15,600 | ||
| Louisiana | $108,350 | $106,640 | +$1,710 | ||
| Maine | $93,990 | $65,150 | +$28,840 | ||
| Maryland | $102,950 | $78,580 | +$24,370 | ||
| Michigan | $100,500 | $84,030 | +$16,470 | ||
| Minnesota | $100,500 | $101,910 | $-1,410 | ||
| Mississippi | $81,600 | $75,180 | +$6,420 | ||
| Missouri | $87,820 | $80,960 | +$6,860 | ||
| Montana | $83,630 | $98,310 | $-14,680 | ||
| New Jersey | $110,900 | $104,540 | +$6,360 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,660 | $74,340 | +$23,320 | ||
| New York | $98,390 | $88,880 | +$9,510 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,460 | $80,060 | +$1,400 | ||
| North Dakota | $96,760 | $93,130 | +$3,630 | ||
| Ohio | $82,130 | $105,150 | $-23,020 | ||
| Oklahoma | $78,310 | $95,140 | $-16,830 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $80,810 | $83,870 | $-3,060 | ||
| South Carolina | $67,580 | $58,160 | +$9,420 | ||
| Tennessee | $66,560 | $96,730 | $-30,170 | ||
| Texas | $79,910 | $84,100 | $-4,190 | ||
| Utah | $98,300 | $105,980 | $-7,680 | ||
| Virginia | $86,500 | $58,970 | +$27,530 | ||
| Washington | $83,650 | $103,620 | $-19,970 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,600 | $83,910 | $-1,310 | ||
| Wisconsin | $85,080 | $71,450 | +$13,630 | ||
| Wyoming | $81,550 | $100,350 | $-18,800 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Gas Plant Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Gas Plant Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
On average across all states, a Gas Plant Operators earns more than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. The national median salary difference is $5,503 (6.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Gas Plant Operators earn more than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
A Gas Plant Operators earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in 24 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Gas Plant Operators vs Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
The national median salary for a Gas Plant Operators is $90,426 per year, compared to $84,922 for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Gas Plant Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. BLS reports approximately 16,840 Gas Plant Operators positions and 32,610 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Gas Plant Operators or Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Both Gas Plant Operators and Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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