Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Michigan
Are you looking for refinery operator training programs in Michigan? Michigan is home to several key refineries, including the Marathon Petroleum Refinery in Detroit, which processes 140,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
The state’s refining industry relies on skilled operators for efficient fuel production and equipment maintenance. This guide details the best programs, their benefits, and how to start your training.
The Role of a Refinery Operator
Refinery operators convert crude oil into usable products like gasoline and diesel. Their job includes monitoring equipment, maintaining safety standards, and adjusting processes to ensure efficiency. Operators must track gauges, dials, and indicators to prevent system failures.
Training Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is the essential requirement. Some employers prefer candidates with experience in construction or mechanics. Online courses and hands-on training help new operators learn safety protocols and refinery processes.
Essential Skills
Operators need strong math skills for calculations and an understanding of physics, chemistry, and safety procedures. Problem-solving skills are also crucial for handling unexpected issues. Training programs focus on real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are job-ready.
Certification and Licensing
Some states require refinery operators to have specific licenses. Passing certification exams improves job prospects. Continuous training keeps operators updated on safety and industry standards, increasing career opportunities.
Top Training Programs in Michigan
Delta College
- Address: 1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710, United States
- Tel: +1 989-686-9000
Delta College’s accelerated Fast Start™ pathway builds front‑line operator skills for chemical and process plants and is scheduled only when area employers have immediate hiring needs. Training is delivered with Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and regional industry partners, with time split evenly between classroom instruction and hands‑on work in Delta’s chemical processing lab.
Program highlights
- 13 weeks at 40 hours per week; runs when multiple chemical manufacturers project hiring demand.
- 50% classroom / 50% lab in Delta’s state‑of‑the‑art chemical processing facility.
- 23 college credits awarded toward the Chemical Process Technology AAS (specific CPI courses listed on the page).
- Core coverage includes valves and pumps, process instrumentation and control, heat exchangers, reactor operations, distillation/stripping, safety, quality assurance, and troubleshooting.
- Typical daytime schedule (about 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.); the college generally runs two cohorts per year when demand exists.
- Strong outcomes: 95% of successful completers have received full‑time job offers.
Oakland Community College
- Address: 1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710, United States
- Tel: +1 989-686-9000
OCC’s Economic & Workforce Development unit delivers Process Technology (Oil & Gas) training that targets the equipment, systems, and safety practices used in pipeline and refining environments, with options to tailor classes for specific employer needs.
Program highlights
- Delivered as specialized training classes and workshops; custom programs available for companies.
- Oil & Gas modules include: Computer Applications; Instrumentation Systems; Pipeline Operations; Pipeline Production; Process Systems; Quality & Safety; Refining & Petrochemical Industry Equipment.
- Complementary operator‑support courses offered through the same catalog (e.g., Process Control Fundamentals; Boiler Plant Operations & Maintenance; Pump Repair).
Eastern Michigan University
- Address: 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
- Tel: +1 734-487-1849
Eastern Michigan University lists Oil Refinery Operations in its ed2go career‑training catalog—an online, self‑paced program designed to build the knowledge base for entry‑level refinery‑operator roles, with open enrollment and up to 12 months of access (400 course hours).
Program highlights
- Online, self‑paced format with open enrollment and 12 months of access.
- 400 course hours.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Michigan
Delta College (University Center, Michigan)—a commuter campus serving the Great Lakes Bay Region (Bay City–Saginaw–Midland). Rents below use nearby Bay City as the closest market. On‑campus housing isn’t offered.
Delta College (University Center, MI)
- Off‑campus (1‑BR): ~$728/mo (Bay City average 1‑bedroom rent, Sept 2025).
Additional Cost Considerations
For off‑campus students around Bay City/Saginaw/Midland, plan for utilities, transport/commute, and everyday essentials. Figures are monthly, kept simple, and sourced locally/statewide.
Utilities
- Electricity: ~$114/mo — Michigan’s average residential electric bill (EIA, 2023).
- Heating (natural gas): ~$75/mo typical 2025 monthly gas bill benchmark for Consumers Energy customers (CUB of Michigan analysis). Actuals vary by building and winter usage.
- Water & sewer (Bay City example): Small apartments often see ~$50–$60/mo when tenant‑paid. Bay City’s water rate is $5.48/CCF (plus a $21.80 monthly customer charge) and sewer commodity charge $6.83/CCF in 2025—confirm what your lease includes.
- Home internet: Entry plans around $50–$55/mo (e.g., Spectrum Internet Premier $50; Xfinity 300 Mbps $55 with 5‑year price guarantee in Michigan).
Transport and Commute Costs
- Local bus (Bay Metro Transit): Student fares are low; 20‑ride student books cost $15. Many students budget ~$30/mo if riding several days per week.
- If you drive: Michigan’s current average regular gas ~ $3.21/gal (AAA). Typical full‑coverage auto insurance ~ $242/mo statewide (your rate may differ a lot).
- Parking on campus: Delta College provides campus parking and enforces parking rules (check Delta for current permit details/costs if required).
Food and Supplies
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Bay County (updated Feb 10, 2025) gives easy planning anchors for a single adult:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$324/mo (from $3,891/yr).
- Personal & household basics (“Other”): ~$343/mo (from $4,112/yr; covers toiletries, cleaning supplies, phone/broadband share, clothing, etc.). In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining & entertainment, and Miscellaneous to keep things simple.
Sample Monthly Budget
Here’s an example for a Delta College student renting a 1‑bedroom in Bay City and mostly using Bay Metro student rides.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $728 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $300 |
| Groceries | $324 |
| Transport costs | $30 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $140 |
| Miscellaneous | $83 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,725 |
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning. Refinery apprenticeships last a few months to several years and provide hands-on experience under expert supervision.
Dow Corporate Apprenticeships
Dow offers apprenticeships focused on sustainability and real-world experience. Participants receive salaries and full tuition coverage. The program promotes inclusivity and prepares workers for careers in refining.
Career Outlook
Refinery operators in Michigan earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually. As experienced workers retire, the demand for skilled operators is increasing. Career growth includes management positions and specialized technical roles.
Refinery Operator Salaries in Michigan
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Michigan | $42.01 | $87,390 | $24.07 | $35.38 | $49.76 | $51.82 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $46.19 | $96,080 | $32.72 | $40.15 | $49.76 | $49.76 |
Petroleum Refineries in Michigan
Michigan has one major refinery, the Marathon Petroleum Refinery in Detroit, with a processing capacity of 140,000 barrels per calendar day.
This facility refines various crude oils into gasoline, diesel, and asphalt, distributing these products through pipelines, trucks, rail, and barges. Marathon also operates an asphalt terminal at 301 Fort Street and a light products terminal at 12700 Toronto Street in Detroit. These facilities are vital for Michigan’s fuel supply and energy infrastructure.
Crude oil from western Canada reaches Michigan through a pipeline network, ensuring a steady supply for refining operations. However, ongoing legal disputes regarding the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline continue to shape Michigan’s energy policies and refinery operations.
How to Enroll
To join a training program, applicants must submit required documents and complete an application. Delta College offers flexible schedules, career counseling, and job placement support. Online courses provide an alternative for those needing a self-paced learning option.
Michigan’sMichigan’s refinery operator training programs provide essential skills for a stable career. Delta College and ITI Technical College offer strong programs, while apprenticeships provide hands-on experience. Whether through formal education or on-the-job training, refining offers promising job opportunities with competitive salaries.