Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi’s energy sector is expanding and fueled by major refineries such as Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery, which creates steady demand for skilled refinery operators. If you are looking for refinery operator training programs in Mississippi, several institutions offer hands-on instruction to prepare students for high-paying careers in this industry.
These programs focus on refinery operations, safety procedures, and process technology, ensuring graduates are ready to enter the workforce.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Chevron Pascagoula and Ergon Vicksburg commonly require HS/GED, valid driver’s license, 12‑hour rotating availability, drug/medical clearance, and solid process‑safety habits; postings often prefer prior refinery/petrochemical experience, and Ergon specifically cites ACT WorkKeys (Silver+) for trainees. Process‑technology AAS and military experience are recognized pathways.
Refinery Operator Training Programs
Mississippi has several institutions offering refinery operator training. These programs focus on hands-on experience, safety, and refinery operations. Leading schools include Clark Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Delta State University.
Graduates from these programs find job opportunities in the energy sector. The demand for skilled operators is growing due to industry expansion and retirements. Financial aid, including scholarships and federal assistance, is available to help students enroll.
Key Institutions Offering Training
Several Mississippi schools provide high-quality refinery operator training. These programs equip students with the skills needed to work in the energy sector. The leading institutions include:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Process Operations Technology (Jackson County Campus)
- Address: 2300 Highway 90 Gautier, MS 39553
- Tel:(228) 896-2536
- Tuition fees:
- In-state full-time: $1,800/semester or $180/credit
- Out-of-state: +$500/semester or +$50/credit
The process operations technology program at Gulf Coast Community College, build the core operating skills used in refineries and other process plants, from safety and equipment fundamentals to troubleshooting and control. The program offers stackable credentials up to an Associate of Applied Science and lists petroleum refineries among its target workplaces.
Program highlights
- Credentials: Certificate (30 credits), Diploma (additional 15 credits), or Associate of Applied Science (final 15–17 credits).
- Career scope includes petroleum refineries, power generation, chemical and pharmaceutical plants, water/wastewater, food & beverage, and offshore production.
- Representative coursework: Introduction to Process Technology, Process Systems & Equipment, Safety/Health/Environment, Process Instrumentation I–II, Process Operations, and Process Troubleshooting I–II.
- Completers are required to take the NOCTI National Certification Exam.
Southwest Mississippi Community College – Energy Operations Processes Technology (AAS)
- Address: 1156 College Dr, Summit, MS 39666, United States
- Tel: +1 601-276-2000
- Tuition Fee:
- In-state:
- Full-time: $1,780/semester
- Part-time: $160/credit
- In-state:
- Out-of-state: +$1,350/semester or +$120/credit
An on‑campus, two‑year pathway that prepares entry‑level operators for processing facilities. The curriculum covers oil & gas production systems, instrumentation (pneumatic and electronic), flow diagrams, safety systems, and troubleshooting, with industry safety credentials embedded.
Program highlights
- Award: Associate of Applied Science (two years).
- Key courses: Oil & Gas Production I–II, Oil & Gas Equipment I–II, Oil & Gas Systems, Pneumatic & Electronic Instrumentation, Production Safety Systems, Production Troubleshooting, and a capstone project.
- Industry credentials listed: Basic Production (J. Schneider & Associates), T2 (J. Schneider & Associates), and SafeLand/SafeGulf.
- Admission note: Priority consideration for applicants with an ACT composite of 18 or equivalent placement.
Pearl River Community College – Automation & Controls Technology (Instrumentation)
- Address: Ted J. Alexander Administration Building, 101 US-11, Poplarville, MS 39470, United States
- Tel: +1 601-403-1000
- Tuition fee:
- In-state: $1,800/semester or $170/credit
- Out-of-state: +$1,200/semester or +$120/credit
Hands‑on training in the electrical, electronic, hydraulic/pneumatic, robotics, and instrumentation/PLC systems that underpin refinery and process‑plant operations. The program specifies Oil & Gas, energy, chemicals, and water/wastewater among its target industries and culminates in an associate degree.
Program highlights
- Industry alignment: Oil & Gas, Energy, Chemicals, Water & Wastewater, Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Mining.
- Skill set: Test and measurement, PLC programming, circuit theory/electronics, robotics, and safety standards – geared to roles like Instrumentation/Control Systems Technician and Process Control Technician.
- Format & location: On‑campus; Poplarville campus; Fall start; Associate in Applied Science.
These institutions ensure students gain practical experience and knowledge to succeed in refinery operations.
Mississippi State University
This self‑paced online program builds the core skills for entry‑level refinery operator roles – safety, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting. You can start anytime and study fully online via MSU’s Ed2Go career‑training portal.
Tuition Fee: $2,995.00
Program Highlights:
- Format: 100% online, self‑paced; start anytime.
- Length & access: 400 hours, up to 12 months to finish.
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (noncredit).
- Key topics: safety (HAZCOM/LOTO), basic instrumentation & control, P&IDs, pumps/heat exchangers, distillation & refinery processes.
- Who it’s for / prereqs: Beginners; HS diploma/equivalent and basic computer skills recommended.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
A career in refinery operations doesn’t always begin with a program called “refinery operations.” You can start through related technical training that teaches similar, essential skills – things like process control, maintenance, system logic, and safety protocols.
In Mississippi, Refinery Operations courses are one option, and you can also step in through Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance programs. These paths help you understand systems, troubleshoot equipment, follow safety procedures, and execute procedures reliably – skills you’ll need as an entry-level operator and that will support growth into control room or leadership roles.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Schools
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has multiple campuses; Perkinston (Stone County) is the only residential campus, while Harrison County (Gulfport) and Jackson County (Gautier) are non‑residential. Off‑campus figures use current 1‑bedroom averages nearby.
MGCCC – Perkinston Campus (Stone County / Wiggins)
- Off‑campus (Wiggins 1‑BR): ~$631/mo. Apartments.com
- On‑campus (Perkinston residence halls, room + meal plan, per semester):
5‑day plan: $2,515–$2,715 · 7‑day plan: $2,665–$2,865 (hall‑specific). Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
MGCCC – Harrison County Campus (Gulfport)
- Off‑campus (Gulfport 1‑BR): ~$931/mo. Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered (non‑residential campus). Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
MGCCC – Jackson County Campus (Gautier)
- Off‑campus (Gautier 1‑BR): ~$853/mo. Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered (non‑residential campus).
Additional Cost Considerations
If you rent off campus around Wiggins/Gulfport/Gautier, plan for utilities, getting to campus/work, and day‑to‑day essentials.
Utilities
- Electricity: ~$153/mo – Mississippi’s average residential electric bill (2023 EIA). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (if your unit uses gas): ~$72/mo – Atmos Energy’s enterprise‑wide average monthly residential bill (May 2025); Mississippi is one of Atmos’s states. Q4 Capital
- Water & sewer (Wiggins example): Water base $13/mo (0–3,000 gal); sewer base $20/mo (0–3,000 gal), then usage add‑ons. A small apartment typically plans ~$35–$45/mo when tenant‑paid. City of Wiggins
- Home internet: $55/mo for AT&T Fiber Internet 300 where available; Xfinity offers a 5‑year price‑lock with entry tiers starting $55–$70 depending on speed and market.
Transport and Commute Costs
- Coast Transit Authority (Gulfport/Biloxi/Gautier): Monthly pass $32 (unlimited fixed‑route rides with CTA ID). Coast Transit Authority+1
- Parking (downtown Gulfport option): CTA Garage monthly $75 (useful if you park by the transit center). Coast Transit Authority
- If you drive: Mississippi regular gas ~ $2.71/gal right now (AAA statewide; coastal metros are similar). AAA Fuel Prices
- Perkinston/Wiggins note: Fixed‑route transit is limited inland; most students drive or carpool. (Stone County is served mainly by demand‑response services under the state’s rural transit network.)
Food and Supplies
MIT’s county‑level benchmarks for a single adult (Feb 10, 2025 update) give easy monthly planning figures:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$344/mo in Harrison County (Gulfport/Biloxi); ~$352/mo in Jackson County (Gautier); ~$344/mo in Stone County (Perkinston/Wiggins). Living Wage Calculator+2Living Wage Calculator+2
- Personal supplies & household basics (“Other”): ~$314/mo (similar across those counties). In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous to keep things simple. Living Wage Calculator
Sample Monthly Budget
Below is an example for an MGCCC student living near the Harrison County Campus (Gulfport), renting a 1‑bedroom and using a CTA monthly pass. Rounded for easy reading; sources appear on each line (no calculation steps shown).
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $931 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $320 |
| Groceries | $344 |
| Transport costs | $32 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $110 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $140 |
| Miscellaneous | $64 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,941 |
Course Content and Structure
Refinery operator training programs in Mississippi cover essential topics, including:
- Oil Refinery Operations: Teaches refining processes, equipment maintenance, and product storage.
- Electrical Safety: Covers grounding techniques, protective gear, and safe work practices to prevent electrical hazards.
- Process Systems and Instrumentation: Focuses on monitoring and controlling refinery processes.
- Safety and Environmental Procedures: Ensures compliance with industry regulations and workplace safety standards.
Courses include classroom instruction and hands-on training, preparing students for real-world refinery jobs.
Career Opportunities After Training
Graduates of refinery operator programs find jobs in the energy sector. The demand for operators is increasing due to retirements and industry growth. Job roles include:
- Entry-level refinery technicians
- Process operators
- Safety coordinators
- Maintenance technicians
Mississippi is expected to see a slight increase in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Although growth is minimal, steady annual openings will continue to provide reliable opportunities for those entering the field.
- Employment (2022): 930 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 940 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 1%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 90
Refinery Operator Salaries in Mississippi
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Missouri | $37.73 | $78,480 | $21.77 | $29.88 | $53.87 | $55.43 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $43.36 | $90,180 | $26.80 | $32.99 | $53.87 | $55.43 |
Refinery Operator Job Listings in Mississipi
Mississippi openings stretch from the Gulf Coast – Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi – to Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Vicksburg, spanning refineries, terminals, shipyards, chem/paper plants, power, and water/wastewater. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation that keep 24/7 facilities running. Expect TWIC-friendly port jobs, rotating and day shifts, and steady demand for safety-minded techs.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Driver – Crude Oil | Genesis Energy, LLC | Liberty, MS | 09/13/2025 |
| Operator, Pipeline Trainee | Epco, Inc. | Petal, MS | 01/17/2025 |
| CBA Oil Analysis Operator – AIMD CBAOI012238 | Vertex Aerospace LLC | Meridian, MS | 08/02/2025 |
| CBA Oil Analysis Operator – AIMD Program – All sites | V2X | Meridian, MS | 04/22/2025 |
Note: The above mentioned job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. For more accurate information, please visit CareerOneStop.org.
Certification and Degree Options
Many training programs offer certifications and degrees. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College provides an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations Technology. Graduates can also earn the NOCTI National Certification, a key qualification for refinery jobs.
Internship and Practical Experience
Internships provide hands-on experience with refinery equipment and safety procedures. Students gain practical skills in process operations and equipment monitoring, which often lead to full-time job offers.
Chevron – Pascagoula Refinery – internships for Process/Operations students.
Chevron offer annual internships and scholarships so students can receive real‑world experience, tied to Process Operations/Instrumentation programs at MGCCC.
Financial Assistance and Support
Financial aid options help students afford refinery operator training. Available assistance includes:
- Scholarships for process technology students
- Federal grants and loans
- Workforce development funding
These financial resources make training accessible to more students.
Application Process
Applying for refinery operator programs is straightforward. Many schools offer rolling admissions, allowing students to start at different times. Requirements typically include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Basic computer skills
- Enrollment application
Some programs offer workforce development support to help applicants navigate the process.
Local Refineries and Job Market in Mississippi
Mississippi has a strong refinery job market. The state is home to several major refineries, including:
- Chevron Pascagoula Refinery: Located in Jackson County, this refinery is Chevron’s most significant U.S. refinery and a key player in Mississippi’s energy sector.
- Ergon Refining, Inc.: Based in Vicksburg, this refinery processes crude oil from Mississippi and other sources.
- Hunt Refining Company: Located in Sandersville, this facility processes crude oil from local and international sources.
These refineries offer employment opportunities for trained refinery operators. The state’s oil and gas industry continues to expand, increasing demand for skilled professionals in refinery operations.
Student Success Stories
Graduates from Mississippi’s refinery training programs secure stable jobs in the energy industry. Many find employment at local refineries, applying the skills gained during training. Internship experiences help students transition smoothly into full-time positions.
Mississippi’s refinery operator training programs prepare students for careers in the energy sector. These programs cover essential topics like safety, process operations, and equipment maintenance. With strong job prospects and financial aid options, these programs provide a valuable pathway to stable employment.