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Production & Manufacturing · California

How to Become a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in California earn a median salary of $107,270/year, which is 10% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.7%. After taxes and rent, a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers takes home approximately $5,066/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$107K
Median salary in California
+10%
vs. national average
5.7%
State income tax
3,640
Employed in California

What a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$107,270
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.7% state tax)$6,478/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home21.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$107,270/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$5,066/mo

Becoming a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 3,640 petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Vallejo.

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$116K$55.76/hr1,010
Vallejo$108K$51.72/hr120
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$107K$51.57/hr1,770
Bakersfield-Delano$94K$45.42/hr250
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$77K$36.95/hr30
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$74K$35.42/hr90
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$61K$29.21/hr140

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$61K
25th percentile
$90K
Median (50th)
$107K
75th percentile
$120K
90th percentile (senior)
$124K
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Full petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary breakdown in California
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After federal + 5.7% state tax
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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers make in California?

The median petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary in California is $107,270 per year ($51.57/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $97,540. Salaries range from $61,430 to $124,040.

What are the requirements to become a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California?

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $107,270, a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California would take home approximately $6,478/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 21.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($115,980), Vallejo ($107,570), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($107,270). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.7%. On a $107,270 salary, this means roughly $6,114/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.