Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary in California
The median pay for a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers in California is $107,270/year ($51.57/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $124K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $107K get you in California?
About petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $107K.Top earners bring in $124K or more - a $63K spread from bottom to top.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $107K | +10% | 3,640 |
| Alaska | $105K | +8% | 280 |
| Ohio | $104K | +7% | 720 |
| Kansas | $102K | +5% | 1,030 |
| Utah | $102K | +4% | 660 |
| New Jersey | $101K | +4% | 470 |
| Washington | $100K | +2% | 1,030 |
| Louisiana | $99K | +1% | 3,520 |
| Minnesota | $99K | +1% | 570 |
| Illinois | $98K | +1% | 1,100 |
| North Dakota | $98K | +0% | 240 |
| Texas | $98K | +0% | 12,060 |
| Montana | $98K | +0% | 570 |
| Wyoming | $96K | -1% | 700 |
| Iowa | $94K | -4% | 110 |
Track petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers make in California?
The median is $107,270 a year - that works out to about $51.57 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,430, and experienced petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers can clear $124,040. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $107K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,478/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 34% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers salary is worth about $107,270 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.