Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Ohio
Refinery operator training programs in Ohio prepare students for oil and gas industry jobs. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience to develop essential skills. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles in refining operations, benefiting from job stability and career growth opportunities.
Refineries in Ohio
Ohio hosts several significant key petroleum refineries in the state’s energy sector. These include:
- Marathon Petroleum Corporation – Canton Refinery (Canton, OH): Processes 100,000 barrels daily, producing gasoline, distillates, asphalt, roofing flux, propane slurry, and sulfur.
- Cenovus Energy – Lima Refinery (Lima, OH): Has a refining capacity of 155,000 barrels per day and has undergone significant investment to enhance operations.
- Cenovus Energy – Toledo Refinery (Oregon, OH): Processes up to 160,000 daily barrels, focusing on crude from oil sands and shales.
- PBF Energy – Toledo Refinery (Toledo, OH): With a throughput of 180,000 barrels per day, it includes an FCC unit, hydrocracker, alkylation unit, and UDEX unit.
These refineries contribute significantly to Ohio’s economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting the state’s energy infrastructure.
Institutions Offering Training
Several Ohio institutions provide specialized refinery operator training with some providing training that ties in with a career in refinery operations. Some of these programs include:
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College — Chemical Operator Level 1
- Address: 3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223, United States
- Tel: +1 513-569-1500
Hands‑on, industry‑driven training developed with eight regional chemical and process manufacturers. Classes run one day per week for 15 weeks at the Evendale location, combining classroom, laboratory, and field instruction to build entry‑level process‑technician skills.
Program highlights:
- Schedule & format: one day per week for 15 weeks with classroom, lab, and field training.
- Location: Cincinnati State Workforce Development Center, Evendale.
- Scope: designed in partnership with eight regional chemical and process manufacturing firms.
- Contact/credit: 75 contact hours, 4 credit hours.
- Target roles listed: Chemical Operator Technician, Process Technician, Brewery Technician.
Belmont College — Process Technician (AAS)
- Address: 68094 Hammond Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950, United States
- Tel: +1 740-695-9500
A program built with local industry to prepare process technicians/chemical operators for sectors that include oil and gas processing, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and energy production. Students complete 45 hours at Belmont and finish with 20 hours of online coursework taught by Washington State College of Ohio faculty.
Program highlights:
- Industry‑aligned design with outcomes aimed at process‑operations roles.
- Coverage includes inspecting and maintaining equipment, sampling, data recording, troubleshooting, product analysis, and maintaining regulatory/environmental standards.
- Understanding of control‑room responsibilities and safe manufacturing practices, plus strong written and verbal communication.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Training programs typically last 10 to 12 weeks, with flexible schedules. Coursework covers:
- Process system operations
- Equipment handling
- Safety procedures
- Environmental compliance
- Basic process instrumentation
These courses ensure students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills for refinery operations.
Career Prospects and Job Market
The demand for refinery operators is rising due to workforce retirements and industry changes. Entry-level positions include:
- Petroleum pump system operators
- Refinery maintenance technicians
- Equipment operators
Ohio is projected to see slight growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. While the increase is modest, consistent annual openings will continue to provide opportunities for new and experienced workers alike.
- Employment (2022): 970 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 990 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 2%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 90
Refinery Operator Salaries in Ohio
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Ohio | $50.07 | $104,140 | $35.18 | $44.87 | $50.08 | $50.84 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $38.78 | $80,660 | $23.08 | $28.02 | $49.22 | $49.23 |
| Toledo, OH | $50.07 | $104,140 | $38.07 | $50.07 | $50.08 | $50.08 |
Industry Trends and Renewable Energy Impact
Oil refineries are adapting to renewable energy technologies. Operators must update their skills to meet new industry standards. This shift is creating fresh job opportunities and requiring continuous education and training.
Support and Resources for Students
Students receive assistance from:
- Academic advisors
- Occupational safety councils
- Certification programs
These resources help students complete their training and transition smoothly into the workforce.
Ohio offers strong training programs for refinery operators. Institutions like Columbus State Community College and Apollo Career Center equip students with the skills needed for a stable and rewarding career. With growing job demand and industry advancements, refinery operations remain a promising field for employment.