Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
SOC Code: 51-8093
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers carries a 54% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $97,540 and -2.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 34,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers (SOC 51-8093) carries an AI exposure score of 54%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 34,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -2.8% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $97,540, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
- 2. Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
- 3. Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
- 4. Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
- 5. Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
- 6. Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
- 7. Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
- 8. Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
- 9. Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
- 10. Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers has an AI exposure score of 54%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is projected to decline by 2.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 34,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
Key skills for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers earn?
The median annual wage for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is $97,540, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
The typical entry-level education for Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).