Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,270 | $97,540 | +10.0% vs US |
| State Rank | #1 of 42 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 3,640 jobs | 34,860 jobs | 10.4% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,430 | $29.54 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,500 | $43.03 |
| Median | $107,270 | $51.57 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,530 | $57.47 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,040 | $59.63 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $107,270 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +40.8%, petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers increase their salary in California?
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #1 out of 42 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $112,050 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $104,000 |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $104,000 |
How are Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California is $107,270, which is 10.0% above the national median of $97,540.