Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Arkansas
Refinery operator training programs in Arkansas provide the necessary education and hands-on experience to prepare individuals for careers in this growing industry. This guide highlights the best training options, key courses, locations, and job prospects available after graduation.
Arkansas has two major oil refineries: the Lion Oil Company Refinery in El Dorado and Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc. in Smackover. These facilities are vital to the state’s economy and require skilled operators to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Refineries in Arkansas
Arkansas has two primary oil refineries:
- Lion Oil Company Refinery
- Location: El Dorado, Arkansas
- Capacity: 83,000 barrels per calendar day
- Operator: Delek US Holdings, Inc.
- Overview: Delek US Holdings operates this refinery as part of its diversified energy portfolio, including Texas and Louisiana facilities.
- Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc.
- Location: Smackover, Arkansas
- Capacity: Specific capacity details are not provided in the available sources.
- Overview: Established in 1923, the Cross Oil Refinery is in Smackover, known for its manufacturing sector.
These refineries are significant in Arkansas’s oil industry, contributing to local economies and the state’s energy infrastructure.
Why Refinery Operator Training Matters
Arkansas refineries need skilled operators due to an aging workforce. Many experienced workers are retiring, creating opportunities for new hires.
Training programs provide students with the essential skills to operate refinery systems safely and efficiently. Graduates develop expertise in process technology, equipment management, and safety procedures, enabling them to ensure seamless industry operations.
Key Training Partners in Arkansas
Community colleges in Arkansas collaborate with industry leaders to create practical training programs. These partnerships ensure that students receive relevant, job-focused education. One major initiative is the Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium (ADTEC), which includes five community colleges. Since 2005, ADTEC has secured over $64 million in funding to enhance workforce education, providing students with essential industry skills.
Core Topics in Refinery Operations Training
Refinery operator courses cover essential topics such as:
- Safety procedures and emergency response
- Process technology fundamentals
- Equipment operation, including pumps and valves
- Basic math and applied physics for refinery calculations
- Understanding hydrocarbon production and refining processes
Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation.
Online Oil Refinery Operations (Arkansas State University via ed2go)
- Address: 105 East Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States
- Tel: +1 870-972-2100
The Online Oil Refinery Operations program from Arkansas State University is a great choice for anyone looking to start a career in refinery operations. It offers flexible, self-paced training that covers essential skills like safety procedures, process control, and equipment handling. This program prepares students for entry-level roles in the refining industry without the need for prior experience or a rigid class schedule.
- Format: Fully online, approximately 400 course hours
- Focus Areas: Refinery fundamentals including process control, safety, instrumentation, distillation, and compliance
- Best For: Beginners seeking entry-level positions in refinery or process plant operations
Process Technology Program (South Arkansas Community College via Arkansas Economic Development Commission)
- Address: 300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730, United States
- Tel: +1 870-862-8131
The Process Technology Program at South Arkansas Community College prepares students for high-demand refinery jobs with hands-on training in process control, safety, and refinery operations.
- Format: In-person or hybrid
- Curriculum: Developed in collaboration with regional industries to train for roles such as process operator, chemical operator, or technician
- Skills Covered: Refinery operations, chemical systems, instrumentation, safety, and applied math/physics
Industrial Engineering & Maintenance (SAU Tech / SouthArk Tech)
- Address: 6415 Spellman Road, Camden, AR 71701
- Tel: N/A
- Contact: [email protected]
The Industrial Engineering & Maintenance program at SAU Tech and SouthArk offers hands-on training in electrical systems, hydraulics, welding, and mechanical maintenance, preparing students for high-demand technician roles in manufacturing and industrial settings. It’s an ideal path for those seeking practical skills, industry-recognized certifications, and strong job placement opportunities.
- Focus: Technical training for roles in industrial maintenance, process control, and operations
- Goal: Prepare students for entry-level roles in refineries and chemical plants
- Provider: Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) offers workforce-oriented technical education including process-related skill sets
Credentials:
Certificate of Proficiency in Mechanical Maintenance (≈ 8 credit hours)
- Includes core skills: NCCER, preventative maintenance, fluidics
- These courses fully apply toward the A.A.S. degree
Technical Certificate in Mechanical Maintenance (≈ 30 credit hours)
- Builds on the proficiency certificate and includes instruction in electric motor control, welding, blueprint reading, safety, millwright skills, and basic mathematics
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Industrial Sciences & Technology – Mechanical Maintenance Emphasis
- A full two‑year degree recognized for entry-level roles or transfer to four-year engineering and applied science programs
Average Rent Near Refinery Operating Schools in Arkansas
The following off‑campus figures use recent 1‑bedroom apartment averages.
- South Arkansas Community College (El Dorado, AR)
- Off‑campus: Typical 1‑bedroom averages ~$671/month in El Dorado.
- On‑campus: SouthArk has announced new residence halls planned for the 2026–27 academic year; rates are not yet posted.
- SAU Tech – Southern Arkansas University Tech (East Camden, AR)
- Off‑campus (near campus, East Camden): Typical 1‑bedroom averages ~$650/month. Many students also live in Camden city, where 1‑bedroom averages ~$718/month.
- On‑campus (published per‑semester rates):
- On‑Campus Apartments: $2,536–$2,736 per semester (per student).
- On‑Campus Dormitory (Highland Park Hall): $2,536 per semester (per student).
SAU Tech notes these options include amenities such as Wi‑Fi.
Additional Cost Considerations
Below are the recurring costs students most often face when living off campus. Amounts and examples reflect local utilities, transportation realities, and county cost‑of‑living data.
Utilities
Arkansas residential electricity bills average about $129/month statewide. In Camden, the inside‑city base charges are $19 (water) + $26 (sewer) per month, with usage billed on top. Home internet plans commonly start around $55/month.
Transport and commute costs
These towns have limited or no fixed‑route public transit, so most students drive. El Dorado lists only senior transport (no city bus for students). Ouachita County (Camden/East Camden) offers South Central Arkansas Transit (SCAT) demand‑response rides at reduced rates. Campus parking: SAU Tech requires a permit but currently charges no registration fee; SouthArk issues parking decals via the library (no fee listed on the admissions checklist). For monthly planning, local drivers typically budget about $110/month in El Dorado (short in‑town trips) and about $140/month around East Camden/Camden.
Food and supplies
County‑level benchmarks from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator put a single adult’s groceries around $319/month in Union County (El Dorado) and ~$314/month in Ouachita County (Camden/East Camden). MIT’s “Other” category—which covers clothing, personal care items, and basic household supplies—comes out to ~$315/month in both counties.
Sample Monthly Budget
Below are simple, ready‑to‑use monthly budgets for a student renting off campus near each school. Be sure to adjust these costs to your own habits and circumstances.
South Arkansas Community College (El Dorado, AR)
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $671 |
| Utilities cost (heat/electric, water/sewer, internet) | $225 |
| Groceries | $320 |
| Transport costs | $110 |
| Personal supplies & toiletries | $315 |
| Dining out & entertainment | $175 |
| Miscellaneous (small buffer for fees, laundry, etc.) | $50 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,866 |
SAU Tech (East Camden/Camden, AR)
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $650 (East Camden 1‑BR average) |
| Utilities cost (heat/electric, water/sewer, internet) | $230 |
| Groceries | $315 |
| Transport costs | $140 |
| Personal supplies & toiletries | $315 |
| Dining out & entertainment | $175 |
| Miscellaneous (small buffer for fees, laundry, etc.) | $50 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,875 |
Job Opportunities for Refinery Operator Graduates
Completing a recognized training program significantly improves job prospects. Many refineries in Arkansas seek skilled operators to fill vacancies. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, which enhances job applications. Career advisors help students with resume building, interview preparation, and job placement support.
The job outlook for refinery operators in this state indicates stable employment with limited growth, yet steady opportunities through regular openings.
- Employment (2022): 200 workers
- Projected Employment (2032): 200 workers
- Projected Growth (2022–2032): 0%
- Projected Annual Job Openings: 20
Apprenticeships and continuing education further improve career advancement opportunities. Refinery operator roles offer competitive salaries, benefits, and job security, making this a stable career choice.
Refinery Operator Salaries in Arkansas
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Arkansas | $39.18 | $81,490 | $26.35 | $30.62 | $40.32 | $45.02 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $46.03 | $95,750 | $35.87 | $36.24 | $46.03 | $46.03 |
Financial Aid and Enrollment Support
Financial aid options help students cover training costs. Federal grants and scholarships are available for eligible applicants. Enrollment specialists guide students through the application process, making financial assistance more accessible.
By reducing financial barriers, these programs enable more individuals to gain the skills needed for refinery jobs.
Benefits of Self-Paced Learning
Many training programs offer self-paced courses, allowing students to learn at their own pace. This flexibility benefits those who balance work or personal commitments. Self-paced courses enhance comprehension, enabling students to focus more on challenging subjects while advancing quickly through familiar topics.
Safety Training in Refinery Operations
Safety is a top priority in refinery operations. Training programs emphasize:
- Personal protective measures
- Emergency response drills
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Electrical safety systems
Students learn to prevent accidents and handle hazardous situations, ensuring workplace safety.
Direct Access to Industry Instructors
Students benefit from direct communication with experienced refinery professionals. Instructors provide guidance, answer questions, and offer insights into real-world refinery challenges. This interaction helps students build confidence and gain valuable industry knowledge.
Career Support for Graduates
Job placement assistance helps graduates transition into the workforce. Career advisors provide:
- Resume and interview coaching
- Industry networking opportunities
- Guidance on apprenticeships and job openings
Building strong connections within the industry improves employment prospects and career growth potential.
Start Your Refinery Operator Career in Arkansas
Arkansas refineries need trained operators, making this a promising career path. Community colleges and industry partners offer practical training programs covering key refinery skills. Clark Community College provides flexible learning options and financial aid support, ensuring accessibility for all students.
Graduates receive job placement assistance, direct access to industry experts, and safety training, preparing them for successful refinery careers. With strong demand for skilled operators, refinery training programs in Arkansas offer a clear path to stable, well-paying jobs.