Texas
Refinery & Process Operator programs in Texas
50 listed process operator programs in Texas, plus BLS pay data for the state and 6 metro areas.
- $84,350Average pay (state, all experience levels)
- $45,670Entry-level / bottom 10%
- $84,100Median pay (state)
- $108,650Top 10% earn over
10,510 jobs in Texas · 50 listed programs. Average = BLS mean across all experience levels, not starting pay. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
Cities with listed programs
BLS wage data
Refinery & Process Operator pay in Texas
Annual wages from the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $45,670 | $75,210 | $84,100 | $100,440 | $108,650 | $84,350 | 10,510 |
| United States | $57,110 | $77,510 | $96,710 | $106,320 | $115,880 | $90,630 | 33,160 |
Metro areas
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $79,510 | $87,730 | $100,660 | $105,880 | $115,880 | $96,630 | 1,480 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $45,670 | $77,560 | $84,100 | $98,100 | $114,350 | $84,880 | 5,510 |
| Midland, TX | $46,950 | $66,200 | $80,540 | $97,530 | $101,300 | $80,360 | 310 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $56,750 | $77,220 | $78,630 | $98,690 | $113,140 | $83,690 | 820 |
| Lubbock, TX | $50,980 | $62,550 | $77,240 | $80,430 | $95,760 | $73,010 | 60 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $36,140 | $48,180 | $67,940 | $92,560 | $104,870 | $70,240 | 400 |
Programs
Listed programs in Texas
Every process operator program we matched in Texas. Schools with published tuition are listed first.
| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Alvin, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 85 | $1,906–$4,402 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Alvin Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Alvin, TX | Associate degree | 38 | $1,906–$4,402 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Brazosport College Chemical Technology/Technician | Lake Jackson, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 78 | $2,772–$4,884 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Brazosport College Chemical Technology/Technician | Lake Jackson, TX | Associate degree | 70 | $2,772–$4,884 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Brazosport College Chemical Technology/Technician | Lake Jackson, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 101 | $2,772–$4,884 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Coastal Bend College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Beeville, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $2,916–$5,226 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Coastal Bend College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Beeville, TX | Associate degree | 0 | $2,916–$5,226 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Coastal Bend College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Beeville, TX | Certificate (2-4 years) | 0 | $2,916–$5,226 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| College of the Mainland Chemical Technology/Technician | Texas City, TX | Associate degree | 57 | $2,310–$4,140 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Del Mar College Chemical Technology/Technician | Corpus Christi, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 13 | $3,440–$6,050 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Del Mar College Chemical Technology/Technician | Corpus Christi, TX | Associate degree | 83 | $3,440–$6,050 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Del Mar College Chemical Technology/Technician | Corpus Christi, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 16 | $3,440–$6,050 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Houston Community College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Houston, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 2 | $2,040–$5,460 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Houston Community College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Houston, TX | Associate degree | 5 | $2,040–$5,460 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Houston Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Houston, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 9 | $2,040–$5,460 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Houston Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Houston, TX | Associate degree | 15 | $2,040–$5,460 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Kilgore College Chemical Technology/Technician | Kilgore, TX | Associate degree | 17 | $2,160–$5,256 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology Chemical Technology/Technician | Beaumont, TX | Associate degree | 98 | $2,844–$12,564 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology Chemical Technology/Technician | Beaumont, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 5 | $2,844–$12,564 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Orange Chemical Technology/Technician | Orange, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 67 | $3,540–$17,280 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Orange Chemical Technology/Technician | Orange, TX | Associate degree | 38 | $3,540–$17,280 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Orange Chemical Technology/Technician | Orange, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 9 | $3,540–$17,280 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Port Arthur Chemical Technology/Technician | Port Arthur, TX | Associate degree | 36 | $1,770–$8,070 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Port Arthur Chemical Technology/Technician | Port Arthur, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 41 | $1,770–$8,070 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lamar State College-Port Arthur Chemical Process Technology | Port Arthur, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 7 | $1,770–$8,070 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0303 |
| Lee College Chemical Technology/Technician | Baytown, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 97 | $2,520–$5,190 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lee College Chemical Technology/Technician | Baytown, TX | Associate degree | 74 | $2,520–$5,190 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lee College Chemical Technology/Technician | Baytown, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 15 | $2,520–$5,190 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lone Star College System Petroleum Technology/Technician | The Woodlands, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $3,330–$9,390 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Lone Star College System Petroleum Technology/Technician | The Woodlands, TX | Associate degree | 0 | $3,330–$9,390 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Lone Star College System Chemical Technology/Technician | The Woodlands, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 26 | $3,330–$9,390 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Lone Star College System Chemical Technology/Technician | The Woodlands, TX | Associate degree | 29 | $3,330–$9,390 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Midland College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Midland, TX | Associate degree | 0 | $3,180–$6,180 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Midland College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Midland, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $3,180–$6,180 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Navarro College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Corsicana, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 1 | $3,008–$6,578 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Navarro College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Corsicana, TX | Associate degree | 2 | $3,008–$6,578 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Palo Alto College Petroleum Technology/Technician | San Antonio, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $3,412–$9,952 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Palo Alto College Petroleum Technology/Technician | San Antonio, TX | Associate degree | 0 | $3,412–$9,952 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Palo Alto College Petroleum Technology/Technician | San Antonio, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $3,412–$9,952 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| San Jacinto Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Pasadena, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 193 | $2,490–$6,690 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| San Jacinto Community College Chemical Technology/Technician | Pasadena, TX | Associate degree | 195 | $2,490–$6,690 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Texas State Technical College Chemical Technology/Technician | Waco, TX | Associate degree | 0 | $8,544–$13,144 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Texas State Technical College Chemical Process Technology | Waco, TX | Associate degree | 15 | $8,544–$13,144 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0303 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin Petroleum Technology/Technician | Odessa, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 12 | $9,236–$21,836 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Victoria College Chemical Technology/Technician | Victoria, TX | Associate degree | 24 | $2,976–$5,328 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Victoria College Chemical Technology/Technician | Victoria, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 33 | $2,976–$5,328 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Western Texas College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Snyder, TX | Associate degree | 2 | $3,300–$6,150 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Western Texas College Petroleum Technology/Technician | Snyder, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 3 | $3,300–$6,150 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0903 |
| Wharton County Junior College Chemical Technology/Technician | Wharton, TX | Associate degree | 23 | $3,204–$5,976 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
| Wharton County Junior College Chemical Technology/Technician | Wharton, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 136 | $3,204–$5,976 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 41.0301 |
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Sources
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15 (news release USDL-26-0725; data tables). Cross-checked against the BLS Public Data API on 2026-11-03.
- Occupation: O*NET OnLine, 51-8093.00 Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers, retrieved 2026-11-03 (CC BY 4.0).
- Apprenticeship sponsors: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship: partner sponsors file, retrieved 2026-10-29 (Partner Finder).
- Schools & graduates: U.S. Department of Education, NCES IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (C2024_A) and Institutional Characteristics (HD2024), award year 2023-24, matched by 6-digit CIP code (completions file; CIP-SOC crosswalk).
- Tuition: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (Most Recent Cohorts: Institution + Field of Study), data updated 2026-10-15, matched by IPEDS unit ID (source).
Program listings are matched from public files by occupation code or organization name; they are not endorsements and we have not visited or tested any program. Confirm schedules, entry requirements and costs with the program. Compiled by the HighPayingTrades team; last refreshed 2026-11-03.