Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

The median is $65,520 a year, that works out to about $32 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,680, and experienced petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers can clear $107,550. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,355/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 32.4% 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.

Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area 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 $65,520 in national-average purchasing power.

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.