National Salary Overview
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Median Salary
$84,461
Average (Mean)
$83,376
Employed Nationwide
32,130
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $9,382 more (11.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$84,461
$93,843
Average (Mean) Salary
$83,376
$91,033
Total Employment
32,130
31,460
States with Higher Pay
13
26
Salary by State: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers vs Power Plant Operators
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 13 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 26.
| State | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Power Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,120 | $103,730 | $-58,610 | ||
| Alaska | $103,070 | $82,660 | +$20,410 | ||
| Arizona | $93,560 | $106,150 | $-12,590 | ||
| Arkansas | $73,070 | $84,450 | $-11,380 | ||
| California | $104,410 | $97,970 | +$6,440 | ||
| Colorado | $89,580 | $94,390 | $-4,810 | ||
| Florida | $62,650 | $81,740 | $-19,090 | ||
| Georgia | $81,270 | $102,420 | $-21,150 | ||
| Hawaii | $93,290 | $108,570 | $-15,280 | ||
| Illinois | $110,790 | $103,830 | +$6,960 | ||
| Indiana | $60,560 | $95,680 | $-35,120 | ||
| Iowa | $88,940 | $83,670 | +$5,270 | ||
| Kansas | $99,510 | $84,960 | +$14,550 | ||
| Kentucky | $62,700 | $82,810 | $-20,110 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,550 | $84,710 | +$10,840 | ||
| Maryland | $74,170 | $100,550 | $-26,380 | ||
| Michigan | $83,490 | $98,920 | $-15,430 | ||
| Minnesota | $99,300 | $90,540 | +$8,760 | ||
| Missouri | $96,980 | $96,490 | +$490 | ||
| Montana | $106,880 | $100,290 | +$6,590 | ||
| Nevada | $54,250 | $77,890 | $-23,640 | ||
| New Jersey | $96,420 | $107,620 | $-11,200 | ||
| New Mexico | $75,820 | $99,920 | $-24,100 | ||
| New York | $64,470 | $115,460 | $-50,990 | ||
| North Carolina | $68,040 | $83,220 | $-15,180 | ||
| North Dakota | $96,540 | $103,840 | $-7,300 | ||
| Ohio | $100,630 | $91,600 | +$9,030 | ||
| Oklahoma | $86,880 | $75,920 | +$10,960 | ||
| Oregon | $97,740 | $100,370 | $-2,630 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $79,730 | $84,610 | $-4,880 | ||
| South Carolina | $78,520 | $75,520 | +$3,000 | ||
| Tennessee | $77,650 | $103,730 | $-26,080 | ||
| Texas | $93,750 | $100,050 | $-6,300 | ||
| Utah | $94,290 | $98,380 | $-4,090 | ||
| Virginia | $64,060 | $73,580 | $-9,520 | ||
| Washington | $92,150 | $118,590 | $-26,440 | ||
| West Virginia | $72,900 | $91,240 | $-18,340 | ||
| Wisconsin | $80,180 | $86,390 | $-6,210 | ||
| Wyoming | $95,080 | $94,990 | +$90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers or Power Plant Operators?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. The national median salary difference is $9,382 (11.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earn more than a Power Plant Operators?
A Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers earns a higher median salary than a Power Plant Operators in 13 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers vs Power Plant Operators?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers is $84,461 per year, compared to $93,843 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers or Power Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers. BLS reports approximately 32,130 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions and 31,460 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers or Power Plant Operators?
Both Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers and Power Plant Operators 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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