Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Montana
Refinery operator training programs in Montana are essential for preparing skilled workers to meet the demands of the state’s energy industry. Montana plays a key role in the U.S. energy sector, with major refineries in Billings, Great Falls, and Laurel processing crude oil from the Bakken Formation. The state has four refineries with a combined processing capacity of approximately 205,000 barrels daily.
These include the Phillips 66 Billings Refinery (59,000 barrels/day), the Par Pacific Holdings Refinery in Billings (60,000 barrels/day), the CHS Inc. Refinery in Laurel (59,600 barrels/day), and the Calumet Montana Refining in Great Falls (24,500 barrels/day).
These facilities produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, propane, butane, petroleum coke, and asphalt. The University of Montana and City College at MSUB offer structured programs to prepare students for careers in refineries and related sectors through specialized education in safety, equipment operation, and maintenance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
For Par Montana (Billings), Phillips 66 (Billings) and CHS (Laurel), entrants need HS/GED, ability to pass background/drug/medical screening, and comfort with 12‑hour rotating shifts, field work at heights/confined spaces, and PPE/respirators; postings cite basic computer/math skills, mechanical aptitude, and sometimes prior industrial experience.
Why Refinery Operator Training Matters
Montana has extensive oil and natural gas reserves, creating a steady demand for skilled refinery operators. Training programs help students develop the knowledge and practical skills to meet industry needs. Graduates have strong job prospects and opportunities for career advancement.
Key Training Programs in Montana
City College at Montana State University Billings – Process Plant Technology (AAS)
- Address: 3803 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102, United States
- Tel: +1 406-247-3000
- Tuition Fee:
- Resident: $118.74/credit
- Non-resident: $359.61/credit
Hands‑on training for front‑line process operations in refineries and other processing facilities, combining lab work, plant simulators, and an internship in a four‑semester AAS pathway.
Program highlights:
- In‑person AAS; core PPT courses start in the fall. The program emphasizes hands‑on lab time and includes pilot‑plant processes and control‑room simulators.
- Coverage spans equipment operation, process safety (HSE I–II), P&IDs, instrumentation & controls, boilers, advanced operations, troubleshooting, and quality control.
- Refinery‑specific knowledge includes units such as Fluid Catalytic Cracking, Alkylation, Catalytic Reforming, Desulfurization, Coking, Amine, Hydro‑treating, and more.
Flathead Valley Community College – Electronics Technician (CTS)
- Address: 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States
- Tel: +1 406-756-3822
- Tuition Fee:
- In-district: $2,134.30/semester
- Out-of-district: $2,921.94/semester
- Out-of-state: $6,188.28/semester
A certificate program with hands‑on electronics plus PLC and process‑control instrumentation – skills used by instrumentation and E&I teams that support refinery and process‑plant operations.
Program highlights:
- Build foundations in circuits, controllers, and the machine‑to‑system interface with practical lab experience.
- Program and troubleshoot PLC systems and learn how industrial processes are integrated using advanced PLC techniques.
- Apply electrical/electronic/digital and pneumatic transmitters in practical process‑control instrumentation.
University of Montana Western
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 complete it entirely online through UM Western’s Ed2Go career‑training portal.
Tuition Fee: $2,795.00
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 (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/Internet skills recommended.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t need a course called refinery operations to start working in refineries. Technical programs in similar fields teach the key skills – like system control, safety, equipment troubleshooting – that refineries rely on.
In Montana, common pathways include Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Environment. Each of these routes helps you build practical skills in control systems, pumps and valves, system logic, and safe operations – preparing you to land entry-level operator roles and grow into more advanced roles over time.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Trainings Schools in Montana
Here’s a simple example of costs for City College at Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings). City College students can live in MSU Billings residence halls; they’re not exempt from the live‑on requirement unless approved for an exemption. MSU Billings
- City College at MSU Billings (Billings, MT)
- Off‑campus (1‑BR): ~$1,277/month (city 1‑BR average). Apartments.com
- On‑campus (MSU Billings Housing, monthly): Double $592/mo; Single $717/mo (Fall 2025/Spring 2026; utilities included). Meal plan required: ~$463–$510/mo depending on plan.
Additional Cost Considerations
If you rent off campus in Billings, plan for utilities, transport/commuting, and everyday essentials. Amounts below are easy monthly anchors; always check what your lease includes.
Utilities
- Electricity: about $109.50/month on average in Montana (EIA 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking, if your unit has gas): about $76/month typical monthly bill for a Montana customer (NorthWestern Energy). Default
- Water & sewer (City of Billings): Plan around $45–$55/month for a small apartment when tenant‑paid; city schedules show water at $4.87 per 1,000 gal (Tier 1) and wastewater at $5.75 per 1,000 gal (FY 2025 rates). Billings Public Works+1
- Home internet: about $50/month – examples include Spectrum Internet Premier $50/mo and Quantum Fiber 500 Mbps $50/mo (Billings locations).
Transport and Commute Costs
- MET Transit (Billings): Student 31‑Day Pass $21; Adult 31‑Day Pass $28. City of Billings
- Campus parking (City College & University Campus): Semester permit $85 (other options available). MSU Billings
- If you drive: Billings gas ~ $3.21/gal right now (AAA metro average). AAA Fuel Prices
Food and Supplies
- Groceries: about $344/month for one adult in Yellowstone County (MIT “Food,” Feb 10 2025 update). Living Wage Calculator
- Personal supplies & household basics: MIT’s “Other” necessities benchmark for a single adult in Yellowstone County is about $396/month; 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 City College @ MSU Billings student renting a 1‑bedroom off campus and using the MET student pass. Rounded, easy to scan; sources sit next to each line (no calculation steps shown).
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Off campus rent | $1,277 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $285 |
| Groceries | $344 |
| Transport costs | $21 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $140 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $180 |
| Miscellaneous | $76 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,323 |
Core Curriculum and Skill Development
Training programs balance theory with hands-on experience. Courses cover:
- Safety procedures and maintenance.
- Computer applications for monitoring refinery systems.
- Problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Practical training ensures students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Hands-On Training Opportunities
On-Site Training at Refineries
- Local refineries provide real-world experience.
- Students learn to operate equipment and follow safety protocols.
Simulated Learning Environments
- Training programs use simulation technology to mimic refinery operations.
- It helps students develop problem-solving skills in a safe environment.
Collaboration with Industry Professionals
- Team-based exercises build communication and teamwork skills.
- Instructors provide mentorship and guidance.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates enter various industries, including:
- Oil and gas production
- Power generation
- Natural gas processing
Refinery operators earn competitive salaries based on experience and location. The industry offers job stability and career growth, and many operators advance to senior management roles with experience.
Montana is projected to experience moderate growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. With steady annual openings, the state offers consistent opportunities for both new and experienced workers.
- Employment (2022): 430 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 450 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 5%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 40
Refinery Operator Salaries in Montana
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Montana | $47.04 | $97,840 | $35.92 | $43.18 | $50.32 | $57.31 |
| Billings, MT | $48.90 | $101,720 | $37.56 | $43.18 | $50.48 | $57.31 |
Job Listings for Refinery Operators and Other Related Fields in Montana
Montana openings center on Billings–Laurel and Great Falls (refining/terminals), with additional roles around Missoula and the Colstrip power corridor. Not every posting is a refinery-operator job – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, E&I/instrumentation, utilities, and terminals across 24/7 facilities. Expect rotating and day-shift opportunities with steady demand for safety-minded techs in rugged, high-reliability environments.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Plant General Manager | Enviri Corporation | Billings, MT | 09/26/2025 |
| Project Engineer, Renewable Electrical Engineering (SCADA) | Invenergy LLC | Helena, MT | 09/17/2025 |
| Substation Estimator | RES | Helena, MT | 09/09/2025 |
| Nuclear Engineer 3 | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | Helena, MT | 08/19/2025 |
| Water & Wastewater Design Engineer (mid level) | DOWL | Billings, MT | 08/21/2024 |
Note: The above mentioned job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. For more accurate information, please visit CareerOneStop.org.
Success Stories from Graduates
Former students credit refinery training programs for their career success. Hands-on learning and faculty mentorship help graduates transition smoothly into jobs. Many start in entry-level positions and move into leadership roles over time.
Refinery operator training programs in Montana provide a strong foundation for careers in the energy industry. With a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world experience, these programs prepare students for stable, well-paying jobs. Graduates can expect opportunities for career growth and long-term success in the industry.