Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Kansas for Career Growth
Kansas has several key refineries, including the Coffeyville Resources Refinery and the CHS Refinery in McPherson. These facilities create a steady demand for skilled workers, making refinery operator training programs in Kansas a valuable step toward securing a high-paying job in the oil and gas industry.
Training programs in the state provide hands-on learning, safety instruction, and process operation skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for refinery roles.
Major Oil Refineries in Kansas
Kansas has three significant oil refineries contributing to the state’s energy sector:
- El Dorado Refinery: Located in El Dorado, this refinery is one of the largest in the Plains states, with a capacity of 135,000 barrels per day. It processes various crude oils and supplies products to regions including Colorado and Mid-Continent states.
- McPherson Refinery: This refinery, located in McPherson, began operations in 1931. It primarily sources crude oil from local Kansas producers and distributes fuel across the Midwest and Southern United States.
- Coffeyville Refinery: Located in Coffeyville, this refinery processes moderately heavy, medium-sulfur crude oil. It produces gasoline and middle distillates, predominantly diesel oil.
Collectively, these refineries can process about 408,000 barrels of crude oil per day, accounting for approximately 2% of the U.S. refining capacity.
Refinery Operator Training in Kansas
While Kansas doesn’t have any in person refinery operator training programs, it is home to a few institutes that offer programs that tie in with a career in refinery operations. These programs can be found here.
Online Refinery Operator Training Programs
An online training program for refinery operators offers a flexible and accessible way to gain the foundational knowledge needed to start a career in the energy or petrochemical industry. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who:
- Live far from in-person training centers
- Work full-time or have family obligations
- Want to study at their own pace
For those who are interested in an online training program, consider one of the following available courses:
Oil Refinery Operations – Peaslee (Kansas) via ed2go
- Provider: Peaslee Tech delivered through the ed2go platform
- Format: 100% online, self-paced (~400 hours)
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
- Coverage: Core refining skills including safety protocols, process instrumentation, distillation, pumps, and troubleshooting
Oil Refinery Operations – Butler Community College (via ed2go)
- Provider: Butler Community College (Kansas) via ed2go
- Format: Fully online, self-paced (~400 hours)
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
- Focus Areas: Standard refinery fundamentals, safety procedures, process monitoring, and control instrumentation
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Programs in Kansas
The above mentioned programs are all fully online, however, there are institutes that offer in-person training programs that line up with a career in refinery operations. Here are some average costs that you can expect should you choose to take the latter route.
Average Rent
These are common student hubs where refinery‑operator–bound students often live (technical colleges & major universities nearby). Figures are for 1‑bedroom off‑campus rentals.
- Wichita — $824/mo (1BR).
- Topeka — $826/mo (1BR).
- Lawrence — $986/mo (1BR).
- Kansas City, KS — $1,048/mo (1BR).
- Manhattan — $829/mo (1BR).
- Overland Park — $1,326/mo (1BR).
- Olathe — $1,232/mo (1BR).
- Salina — $788/mo (1BR).
Additional cost considerations
Below are straightforward monthly amounts Kansas students commonly plan for when renting off campus. (If your lease includes any utilities, adjust down.)
Utilities
- Electricity: Kansas residential average ~$132/mo.
- Natural gas (if your unit uses gas): Black Hills Energy shows a typical residential bill ~$72/mo for an average‑use customer after the Aug 2025 rate update. (Kansas Gas Service territories vary monthly via the posted cost‑of‑gas factor.)
- Water & sewer (Wichita example): Plan about ~$50/mo for a small apartment. 2025 base charges are $20.57 (water, 5/8″ meter) and $11.94 (sewer) before usage; the City noted a ~$3.21 average monthly increase in 2025.
- Home internet: Entry plans commonly ~$55/mo (AT&T Fiber 300) or ~$50/mo (Cox StraightUp). In Kansas City, Google Fiber 1 Gig $70/mo.
Transport and commute costs
- Wichita Transit: Monthly pass $55.
- Topeka Metro: 31‑Day pass $50 (reduced and youth options available).
- Lawrence Transit: Fare‑free through 2025 (fixed‑route, paratransit, on‑demand).
- Kansas City metro (RideKC): Zero fare on buses; microtransit services may charge.
- If you drive: Kansas regular gas ~ $2.89/gal (AAA average; check your city for the current metro figure).
- Typical auto insurance: Full‑coverage averages about $204/mo statewide (varies by driver).
Food and supplies
- Groceries (home cooking): ~$347/mo for a single adult in Sedgwick County (Wichita) per MIT’s 2025 model.
- Personal/household basics (“Other”): MIT benchmarks ~$343/mo for a single adult in Sedgwick County; in the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous to keep planning simple.
Sample Monthly Budget
Example for a student living in Wichita (1‑bedroom, city bus pass, modest spending). Rounded and easy to scan.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $824 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $310 |
| Groceries | $347 |
| Transport costs | $55 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $115 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $140 |
| Miscellaneous | $88 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,879 |
Certificate of Completion and Job Prospects
Graduates receive a certificate of completion. This credential increases job prospects in refineries and related industries. Employers recognize this certification as proof of technical competency.
Earning this certificate can also lead to career growth. Entry-level positions provide a pathway to senior roles in operations and management.
Essential Skills for Entry-Level Refinery Jobs
To succeed as a refinery operator, candidates need key skills:
- Basic Math: Used for measurements and calculations
- Computer Skills: Essential for data entry and operational monitoring
- Safety Awareness: Understanding regulations and risk prevention
- Physics Knowledge: Helps in understanding machinery and refinery processes
Developing these skills improves job performance and career growth potential.
Safety Training in Refinery Operations
Safety is a priority in refinery operations. Training programs emphasize workplace safety to prevent accidents. Key focus areas include:
- Handling refinery equipment properly
- Monitoring system variables for potential hazards
- Using simulators for hands-on safety training
Clear communication among team members is crucial for safe operations. Training programs prepare workers to identify and respond effectively to safety risks.
Training Materials and Learning Resources
High-quality learning materials support refinery training. These include:
- Textbooks on refinery processes and safety protocols
- eLearning platforms with interactive simulations
- Software tools for refining process applications
Students should have access to digital resources like Adobe Acrobat Reader to enhance their learning experience.
Industry Best Practices in Refinery Operations
Refinery operators must follow industry standards to ensure efficiency and safety. Training programs cover:
- Process instrumentation and system control
- Problem-solving techniques for refinery issues
- Team communication for smooth operations
These best practices help maintain productivity and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Job Opportunities in Kansas Refineries
Kansas has a strong job market for refinery operators. Available positions include:
- Refinery Plant Operator
- Process Engineer
- Quality Inspector
Employers seek skilled candidates for these roles. Completing a training program increases job prospects and provides networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Addressing the Shortage of Skilled Workers
Kansas refineries face a shortage of technical workers. Many experienced employees are retiring, creating job openings. This situation benefits new job seekers by providing high demand and competitive salaries.
Refineries offer attractive compensation and career growth opportunities. Proper certifications prepare individuals for stable, long-term employment in this industry.
Salary and Job Stability for Refinery Operators
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Kansas | $49.14 | $102,200 | $28.77 | $38.12 | $50.34 | $51.56 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $43.36 | $90,180 | $26.80 | $32.99 | $53.87 | $55.43 |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area | $49.14 | $102,200 | $28.77 | $34.21 | $49.14 | $51.56 |
| Wichita, KS | $43.74 | $90,970 | $31.05 | $40.28 | $50.34 | $50.34 |
Kansas is expected to see a slight decline in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Even so, the industry will continue to generate steady annual openings, driven mostly by retirements and turnover.
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 90
- Employment (2022): 1,040 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 1,020 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): -2%
Kansas provides refinery training programs that prepare individuals for rewarding careers in oil refinery operations. Clark Community College’s course offers flexible learning and industry-recognized certification.
With strong job demand, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities, now is a great time to enter the refinery sector. Training programs equip candidates with essential skills, ensuring success in this field.