Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Georgia

Refinery operator training programs in Georgia prepare students for careers in industrial plant operations. The state has a growing demand for refinery operators, particularly in cities like Savannah, Augusta, and Macon, where chemical plants and natural gas refineries play a significant economic role.

These programs focus on safety, efficiency, and operational skills. Middle Georgia State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offer some of the best training in the state.

Graduates receive hands-on training, safety instruction, and industry insights. Events like the Annual Virtual National Apprenticeship Week help students build connections and improve job prospects.

Refinery Operator Responsibilities

Refinery operators manage machinery that processes raw materials. Their tasks include:

Monitoring gauges and sensors
Adjusting industrial valves
Inspecting equipment
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations

Operators must keep process variables like temperature, pressure, and flow rates within safe limits. Their role is critical in maintaining plant efficiency and preventing operational failures.

Top Training Institutions in Georgia

Middle Georgia State University

Address: 100 University Pkwy, Macon, GA 31206, United States
Tel: +1 478-471-2700

Offers a continuing education program focused on refinery operations. The curriculum covers essential safety measures and industry standards.

Program Highlights:

Format: Fully online, self‑paced (~400 course hours)
Credential: Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Core Topics Covered:
- Refinery operations fundamentals: distillation, pumps, heat exchangers
- Safety protocols: lockout/tagout, hazard communication
- Instrumentation & control systems: flow, temperature, pressure monitoring
- Operational troubleshooting, process trends, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Ideal For: Beginners with no prior technical or refinery experience
Career Support: Access to career services and industry networking opportunities

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Address: 4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602, United States
Tel: +1 229-333-2100

Provides a comprehensive course for beginners. Students learn safety practices and operational methods necessary for entry-level jobs.

Program Highlights:

Fully online and self-paced, requiring approximately 400 hours of study
Designed to prepare learners for entry-level oil refinery operator roles in the energy sector

Covers key technical topics including:

Refinery fundamentals such as distillation, heat exchangers, pumps, and lubricants
Safety protocols, including lockout/tagout and hazard communication
Instrumentation & process control, including pressure, temperature, and flow monitoring systems
Operational troubleshooting and standard operating procedures

Credential Awarded: Certificate of Completion (non-credit), validating readiness for operational roles in refinery environments

These institutions combine theory and practical training to prepare students for the workforce.

Training Program Structure

Refinery operator training programs include:

Safety Training: Compliance with emission regulations, pressure gauge management
Instrumentation: Using process control tools to maintain efficiency
Industrial Valves: Learning pressure, temperature, and flow control
Mathematics & Communication: Ensuring accurate calculations and transparent reporting

These courses equip students with essential skills for real-world refinery operations.

Skills Developed

Students gain:

Math skills for measuring temperatures, flow rates, and pressures
Communication skills for reporting equipment issues
Computer skills for operating digital industrial systems
Electrical safety knowledge specific to refinery environments

Training includes workshops and hands-on exercises for practical learning.

Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Georgia

Below is the average rent for 1-bedroom off-campus rents in Georgia. While the programs listed are fully online, students may choose to attend an in-person program that lines up with a career in refinery operations. The data below will prove helpful to those who choose to take this route.

Atlanta: ~$1,630/month.
Savannah: ~$1,525/month.
Augusta: ~$1,097/month.
Athens: ~$1,195/month.
Macon: ~$975/month.
Columbus: ~$969/month.

Additional Cost Considerations

Utilities

Electricity: about $171/month for a typical Georgia Power residential customer (higher in summer).
Water & sewer: Plan around $100–$120/month in much of metro Atlanta based on Fulton County’s 2025 rate sheet; note that City of Atlanta bills can run higher—its official bill calculator shows a sample monthly bill of ~$238 at 12 CCF, while the city cites ~8 CCF as typical monthly use.
Internet: Entry plans commonly ~$55/month (AT&T Fiber 300 or Xfinity 300 with price‑lock).
Natural gas (if your unit uses gas heat/cooking): Georgia is deregulated; monthly totals vary by marketer and season. Use the Georgia PSC price comparison to check current “typical bill” amounts.

Transport and Commute Costs

Pick the city that matches where you’ll live:

Atlanta (MARTA): 30‑Day pass $95. Some colleges offer a U‑Pass (~$68.50/month).
Savannah (CAT): Monthly pass $50 (local buses).
Augusta Transit: Monthly pass $50.
Athens (ACC Transit): Fare‑free citywide.
If you drive: Georgia gas averages ~$2.89/gal right now, and full‑coverage auto insurance averages ~$241/month statewide (actual driver rates vary)

Food and Supplies

Monthly benchmarks for one adult from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator (rounded, easy to use):

Groceries (“Food”): Fulton Co. (Atlanta) ~ $435/mo; Chatham (Savannah) ~ $370/mo; Clarke (Athens) ~ $367/mo; Richmond (Augusta) ~ $335/mo.
Personal supplies & toiletries / basics (“Other”): ~$314/mo baseline (used below and split across three lines to keep planning simple).

Sample Monthly Budget

This is an example for Atlanta, GA (Fulton County) — a student renting a 1‑bedroom off campus and using a MARTA 30‑Day Pass.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Off‑campus rent	$1,630
Utilities cost (heat/electric, water/sewer, internet)	$336
Groceries	$435
Transport costs	$95
Personal supplies and toiletries	$120
Dining out and entertainment	$140
Miscellaneous	$54
Total estimated monthly cost	$2,810

Career Opportunities

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, preparing them for jobs such as:

Refinery operator trainee
Chemical service technician
Maintenance Assistant

Entry-level salaries start around $19.50 per hour, and benefits include health insurance and retirement plans. Some programs offer apprenticeships for real-world experience.

Area	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean annual wage	Hourly wage 10th percentile	Hourly wage 25th percentile	Hourly wage 75th percentile	Hourly wage 90th percentile
Georgia	$38.47	$80,020	$25.98	$29.46	$46.13	$51.45
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	$43.53	$90,550	$28.31	$36.21	$46.55	$50.41

Job Market in Georgia

Refinery operators are in high demand in Georgia’s:

Natural gas sector: Increased production and infrastructure development
Chemical manufacturing plants: Continuous hiring for process management

Georgia’s energy sector is showing solid expansion, with refinery operator positions expected to rise steadily over the next decade. This outlook suggests stable job opportunities and long-term career potential for those entering or advancing in the field.

Employment (2022): 170 employees
Projected employment (2032): 200 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): 18%
Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 20

Graduate Testimonials

Past students highlight:

Hands-on training improved their technical skills
Networking events led to job opportunities
Practical lessons helped them transition into full-time roles

Many graduates secure positions as process operators and safety coordinators, crediting the training programs for success.

Refinery operator training programs in Georgia provide practical skills, safety training, and industry connections. With growing job opportunities, these programs offer a strong foundation for a career in refinery operations.