Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Minnesota
Refinery operator training programs in Minnesota equip students with essential safety, process monitoring, and equipment handling skills. These programs help meet the demand for workers as the state’s energy sector expands, offering stable career opportunities with competitive salaries.
Minnesota is home to major refineries, such as the Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount and the St. Paul Park Refinery, which require skilled operators to manage daily operations.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Operators for Flint Hills Pine Bend (Rosemount) and Marathon St. Paul Park are expected to bring HS/GED (tech coursework a plus), readiness for 12‑hour rotations, and strong safety/process discipline; site access often includes contractor orientation, background/drug compliance and, at some facilities, TWIC verification. Familiarity with field operations, DCS basics, and respirator use is routinely listed.
Refinery Operator Training in Minnesota
Lake Superior College – Electronic Engineering Technology
- Address: 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, United States
- Tel: +1 218-733-7600
- Tuition Fee: $244.45/credit
Lake Superior College offers an on‑campus AAS program that builds the electronic and controls skills used to run complex industrial plants – including facilities that produce power and petrochemicals – grounded in circuit theory and hands‑on controls practice.
Program highlights:
- Format: On‑campus AAS, 72 credits, designed for completion in 2 years.
- Core skills: Read schematics, perform circuit analysis, troubleshoot and repair circuits, and use professional test equipment.
- Controls training: Install, program, and troubleshoot PLCs; work with AC/DC motors and control hardware.
- Industry relevance: Prepares for technician roles supporting the “heart of plant” operations in sectors such as power and petrochemicals.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College – Instrumentation & Process Control
- Address: 1540 Northway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56303, United States
- Tel: +1 800-222-1009
- Tuition Fee: $186.90/credit
A 60‑credit AAS program focused on instrumentation measurement, industrial control systems, automated systems, and process control – skills directly applied in plant operations and maintenance.
Program highlights:
- Award: AAS, 60 credits (Instrumentation & Process Control).
- Technical coverage: Instrumentation measurement, industrial control systems, automated systems, process control, plant equipment maintenance, embedded microcontrollers, and data acquisition.
- Hands‑on outcomes: Maintain/repair electro‑mechanical equipment; construct/test digital & analog circuits; troubleshoot open/closed‑loop processes with precision calibration equipment.
Minnesota State College Southeast
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 entirely online through Minnesota State College Southeast’s Ed2Go partner portal.
Tuition Fee: $2,795.00
- 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 (LOTO/HAZCOM), 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
You don’t need to enroll in a course named “refinery operations” to get started. Many students begin with training in related areas that build skills refineries depend on – like process control, systems operations, maintenance, and safety.
In Minnesota, you can study Oil Refinery Operations directly or move forward through Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Environment. Those fields teach you how to manage systems, troubleshoot equipment, understand controls, and work safely – skills you’ll use as an operator and grow from there.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Schools in Minnesota
Here’s the average costs for students who attend St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) in St. Cloud, Minnesota. SCTCC is a commuter college but partners with St. Cloud State University (SCSU) so a limited number of SCSU residence‑hall rooms are available to SCTCC students. sctcc.edu
- SCTCC – off‑campus (St. Cloud 1‑BR): ~$900/month. (City average for 1‑bedroom, Sept 2025.)
- SCTCC – on‑campus via SCSU housing: double rooms $2,978–$3,360 per semester; singles $3,675–$4,158 per semester (2025–26).
Additional Cost Considerations
If you rent off campus near SCTCC, plan for utilities, transport/commute, and everyday essentials.
Utilities
A practical monthly bundle for a small St. Cloud apartment:
- Electricity: about $111/month (MN average residential bill, EIA 2023). EIA
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): about $81/month (CenterPoint Energy 2025 interim average residential bill example; actual bills vary by usage). CenterPoint Energy
- Water & sewer (City of St. Cloud): plan ~$45/month for a small apartment when billed to the tenant; city schedule shows water fixed charge $17 bi‑monthly and tiered water rates, plus sewer $4.90 per 100 cu ft with posted minimums. Many multi‑family leases include these – confirm before budgeting. St. Cloud Official Website+1
- Internet: about $55/month (Xfinity 5‑year price‑lock entry tier). Reuters
Transport and Commute Costs
- Metro Bus (St. Cloud Area): 31‑Day Pass $47 (unlimited fixed‑route rides). Metro Bus
- SCTCC/SCSU U‑Pass: Ride free with your valid campus ID on any Metro Bus route (cost covered by student fees). Metro Bus
- Parking at SCTCC: Parking Access Fee $3.50 per credit (billed each semester); daily permit $2 if you don’t have a semester permit. sctcc.edu
- If you drive: Minnesota regular gas ~ $3.08/gal (AAA state average, current). AAA Fuel Prices
Sample Monthly Budget
Below us an example for a SCTCC student renting a 1‑bedroom off campus in St. Cloud and using the U‑Pass (bus rides covered by student fees).
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $900 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $290 |
| Groceries | $355 |
| Transport costs | $0 (U‑Pass with valid SCTCC ID) |
| Personal supplies & toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out & entertainment | $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $73 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,888 |
Food and Supplies
MIT’s Stearns County benchmarks for a single adult (easy monthly planning):
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$355/month. Living Wage Calculator
- Personal supplies & household basics (“Other”): ~$343/month (in the budget below this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous).
Key Refineries in Minnesota
Minnesota’s refineries play a critical role in the energy sector. Many workers are retiring, creating new job openings for trained operators.
Pine Bend Refinery
Located in Rosemount, the Pine Bend Refinery is Minnesota’s largest, with a capacity of 335,000 barrels per day. It produces most of Mindnesota’s transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The refinery employs over 1,000 full-time workers and has reduced emissions by 70% since 2000 while increasing production.
St. PaMinnesota’sinery
Situated along the Mississippi River in St. Paul Park, this refinery has states of 105,000 barrels per day. It processes various crudes to manufacture gasoline, distillates, asphalt, propane, heavy fuel oil, natural gas liquids, and petrochemicals. Products are delivered by truck, rail, and barge.
These refineries contribute significantly to Minnesota’s economy and provide stable job opportunities for skilled refinery operators.
Enrollment Assistance
Choosing the right training program can be challenging. Enrollment specialists help students understand program details, course formats, and financial aid options.
They provide guMinnesota’sourse content, funding assistance, and career paths. Their expertise helps students make informed decisions about their education and future employment.
Online Power Plant Operations Courses
Online courses in power plant operations offer flexible learning options. These courses cover boiler systems and steam generation, essential for power plant and refinery operators.
Upon completion, students receive a certificate that strengthens their job prospects. This certification demonstrates their knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Online courses provide an accessible way for individuals to enter or advance in the industry.
Apprenticeship Week Events
National Apprenticeship Week offers opportunities to connect with employers through webinars and workshops. These events highlight apprenticeship programs that lead to refinery jobs.
Students can attend virtual events this week to learn about industry expectations. Engaging with employers helps students understand job requirements and available career paths.
Participation in these events increases the chances of securing apprenticeships, which can lead to long-term employment.
Virtual Apprenticeship Opportunities
Virtual apprenticeship events connect students with job opportunities through webinars and workshops. These sessions provide industry insights and essential job search skills.
These events allow students to network with employers and explore job openings. Attending virtual events helps job seekers gain an advantage in the hiring process.
Safety in Refinery Training
Safety is the top priority in refinery training programs. Students learn to maintain safe working conditions and communicate effectively with team members.
Trainees practice monitoring system variables and responding to operational issues. They also learn to use advanced safety technology to prevent accidents.
A strong focus on safety ensures graduates can work efficiently while maintaining workplace security.
Course Structure and Requirements
Refinery operator training programs have precise requirements. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic computer skills.
The program consists of 400 hours of training over 12 months. Students can complete the coursework at their own pace, and all course materials are provided for easy reference.
Enrollment specialists assist with registration, financial aid, and course details, ensuring a smooth enrollment process.
Workforce Development Support
Workforce development boards connect training programs with industry needs. They help workers access job readiness programs for refinery operations.
These boards ensure training includes safety protocols and operational standards. Their support creates a skilled workforce prepared for refinery jobs.
Refinery Operator Salaries in Minnesota
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Minnesota | $47.46 | $98,720 | $35.79 | $47.46 | $59.92 | $61.04 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $47.46 | $98,720 | $36.86 | $47.46 | $59.92 | $61.04 |
Job Market and Employment Outlook
Minnesota is expected to see a modest decline in refinery operator employment over the next decade. While overall job numbers are projected to decrease slightly, steady annual openings will continue to create opportunities, mostly through retirements and workforce turnover.
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 50
- Employment (2022): 590 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 560 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): -5%
Job Listings for Refinery Operators and Other Related Fields in Minnesota
Minnesota openings cluster around St. Paul Park/ Twin Cities (refinery & terminals), Duluth–Superior (port/energy), and plants in Rochester, St. Cloud, and the Iron Range. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across refineries, ethanol/food processing, power, and water/wastewater. Expect rotating and day-shift demand for safety-minded techs.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Control Room Operator | PrimeFlight Aviation Services | Minneapolis, MN | 09/26/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org