National Salary Overview
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Median Salary
$84,922
Average (Mean)
$85,202
Employed Nationwide
32,610
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $16,251 more (19.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$84,922
$101,174
Average (Mean) Salary
$85,202
$99,621
Total Employment
32,610
28,530
States with Higher Pay
8
34
Salary by State: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers vs Power Plant Operators
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pays more in 8 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 34.
| State | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Power Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $73,510 | $107,080 | $-33,570 | ||
| Alaska | $124,530 | $88,870 | +$35,660 | ||
| Arizona | $60,070 | $84,970 | $-24,900 | ||
| Arkansas | $86,580 | $97,760 | $-11,180 | ||
| California | $103,250 | $105,210 | $-1,960 | ||
| Colorado | $93,750 | $102,780 | $-9,030 | ||
| Connecticut | $56,880 | $97,460 | $-40,580 | ||
| Florida | $63,480 | $94,290 | $-30,810 | ||
| Georgia | $57,180 | $107,580 | $-50,400 | ||
| Hawaii | $94,900 | $121,700 | $-26,800 | ||
| Illinois | $102,890 | $104,440 | $-1,550 | ||
| Indiana | $67,420 | $107,000 | $-39,580 | ||
| Iowa | $90,160 | $100,500 | $-10,340 | ||
| Kansas | $101,880 | $79,980 | +$21,900 | ||
| Kentucky | $78,670 | $93,400 | $-14,730 | ||
| Louisiana | $106,640 | $101,170 | +$5,470 | ||
| Maine | $65,150 | $81,060 | $-15,910 | ||
| Maryland | $78,580 | $111,260 | $-32,680 | ||
| Michigan | $84,030 | $105,820 | $-21,790 | ||
| Minnesota | $101,910 | $94,390 | +$7,520 | ||
| Mississippi | $75,180 | $102,400 | $-27,220 | ||
| Missouri | $80,960 | $101,900 | $-20,940 | ||
| Montana | $98,310 | $106,040 | $-7,730 | ||
| Nevada | $62,420 | $131,400 | $-68,980 | ||
| New Hampshire | $70,050 | $81,070 | $-11,020 | ||
| New Jersey | $104,540 | $131,370 | $-26,830 | ||
| New Mexico | $74,340 | $105,510 | $-31,170 | ||
| New York | $88,880 | $106,990 | $-18,110 | ||
| North Carolina | $80,060 | $108,300 | $-28,240 | ||
| North Dakota | $93,130 | $122,160 | $-29,030 | ||
| Ohio | $105,150 | $104,160 | +$990 | ||
| Oklahoma | $95,140 | $88,590 | +$6,550 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,870 | $95,800 | $-11,930 | ||
| South Carolina | $58,160 | $79,900 | $-21,740 | ||
| Tennessee | $96,730 | $115,920 | $-19,190 | ||
| Texas | $84,100 | $102,510 | $-18,410 | ||
| Utah | $105,980 | $107,120 | $-1,140 | ||
| Virginia | $58,970 | $73,640 | $-14,670 | ||
| Washington | $103,620 | $131,620 | $-28,000 | ||
| West Virginia | $83,910 | $97,210 | $-13,300 | ||
| Wisconsin | $71,450 | $66,080 | +$5,370 | ||
| Wyoming | $100,350 | $99,200 | +$1,150 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers vs Power Plant Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $16,251 (19.1%) based on 2025 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 8 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 34 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 $84,922 per year, compared to $101,174 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2025 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 32,610 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions and 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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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See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.