Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a growing demand for refinery operators due to its strategic location near fuel distribution networks and industrial hubs. Refinery operator training programs in New Hampshire equip students with essential skills for handling petroleum refining processes, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining critical equipment.
Institutions such as Clark Community College and El Paso Technical Institute provide specialized training to prepare graduates for careers in the refining industry.
Required Skills and Qualifications
With no refineries, applicants target terminals and process facilities; HS/GED, safety mindset, mechanical and basic process‑control aptitude, rotating‑shift availability, and TWIC for seaport access are common expectations.
Refinery Operator Training Programs in New Hampshire
For those interested in a career in refinery operations, consider one of the following programs:
University of New Hampshire – Oil Refinery Operations (Online)
- Address: 105 Main St, Durham, NH 03824, United States
- Tel: +1 603-862-1234
- Tuition Fee: $2,795
UNH’s Oil Refinery Operations program delivers an online training path for entry‑level refinery/process operators, offered through UNH Professional Development & Training.
Program highlights:
- 100% online, self‑paced Advanced Career Training with open enrollment.
- 12 months of access and approximately 400 course hours to complete the program.
NHTI – Concord’s Community College – Oil Refinery Operations (Online)
- Address: 31 College Dr, Concord, NH 03301, United States
- Tel: +1 603-271-6484
- Tuition Fee: $2,795
NHTI lists Oil Refinery Operations in its Environmental & Energy career‑training catalog – an online pathway focused on the fundamentals required for refinery‑operator roles.
Program highlights:
- Online, self‑paced career training (Advanced Career Training format).
- Listed at 400 course hours.
Graduates gain the technical skills needed for refinery jobs and career advancement.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a program called “refinery operations” to break into the industry. Other technical routes can teach you the same essential skills – controls, equipment systems, process logic, and safety protocols – that refineries need.
In New Hampshire, potential paths include Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Environment. These programs help you gain hands-on experience with systems, control logic, equipment troubleshooting, and safe operations – equipping you to step into entry-level operator roles and move forward with experience.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Nebraska
Below are student‑friendly rent snapshots around key New Hampshire colleges and training hubs. Off‑campus figures are typical 1‑bedroom averages near each campus; on‑campus figures are per student where available.
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College (Concord)
- Off‑campus (1BR): $1,436/mo. Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Doubles $3,726/semester; Singles $4,473/semester; meal plan $2,088/semester. NHTI
- Manchester Community College (Manchester)
- Off‑campus (1BR): $1,769/mo. Apartments.com
- Nashua Community College (Nashua)
- Off‑campus (1BR): $1,962/mo. Apartments.com
- Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth/Stratham)
- Off‑campus (1BR): $2,292/mo. (Portsmouth area) Apartments.com
- University of New Hampshire (Durham)
- Off‑campus (1BR): $1,655/mo. (Durham) Apartments.com
- On‑campus: 2025–26 doubles $4,481/semester; singles $5,024/semester.
Additional Cost Considerations
Living off campus in New Hampshire can be affordable if you plan for utilities, commuting, and day‑to‑day supplies. Here’s what to expect in the major college towns listed above.
Utilities
Budget for heat, electricity, water/sewer, and internet. New Hampshire Housing’s 2025 utility allowance gives monthly estimates by bedroom count and heating type that work well for student planning:
- Heating (1BR):
Zone 1 (e.g., Hillsborough County – Manchester/Nashua): Natural gas ~$65/mo; electric ~$105/mo; oil ~$107/mo. Zone 2 (e.g., Merrimack/Strafford – Concord/Durham): Natural gas ~$71/mo; electric ~$117/mo. New Hampshire Housing - Non‑heat electricity (1BR): “Misc. electric” ~$57/mo; hot water (electric) ~$47/mo or (gas) ~$20/mo; cooking (electric) ~$15/mo or (gas) ~$5/mo. Allowances include standard monthly customer charges. New Hampshire Housing
- Water & sewer (Manchester example): Residential sewer $5.05 per 100 cu ft plus a monthly service charge (single‑family $33.68, multi‑family $29.43) per unit; water service has a monthly meter charge (e.g., 5/8″ meter $19.03/mo). Expect roughly $40–$60/mo for a small apartment depending on use. American Legal Publishing
- Home internet: Entry‑tier plans commonly run about $55/mo (e.g., Xfinity 300 Mbps with a 5‑year price guarantee). Fidium Fiber and Verizon Fios also serve parts of NH, with starter tiers advertised from $30–$50+ depending on location and promos. Fidium Fiber+3Xfinity+3Xfinity+3
Transport and Commute Costs
Public transit coverage is regional; many students mix buses with occasional driving for labs or shift work.
- City bus passes:
Manchester MTA: $60/month. Manchester Transit Authority
Nashua Transit: $40/month; NCC students often use NTS and selected U‑Pass partnerships. Nashua NH
COAST (Dover/Portsmouth/Durham region): $52/month (also serves UNH‑area connections). COAST Bus
Concord Area Transit: Fare‑free fixed‑route service. Concord Area Transit+1 - If you drive:
Gasoline average in NH: about $3.05/gal (state energy office, early Sept. 2025). New Hampshire Office of Energy
Auto insurance: typical ~$82–$100/month for full coverage in NH, depending on driver and vehicle. MoneyGeek.com+1
All‑in car ownership: AAA’s 2025 “Your Driving Costs” pegs the national average near $965/month for a new vehicle (fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, etc.) – useful for benchmarking if you must commute by car. Autoweek
Food and Supplies
For a single adult, MIT’s Living Wage Calculator places annual food at $4,644 (≈ one person) in Hillsborough County – a good proxy for Manchester/Nashua grocery spend. Plan roughly $350–$400/month for groceries, then add discretionary dining/entertainment based on habits. MIT also estimates additional “Other” necessities (personal care, clothing, small household items) at $4,566 annually; allocate a modest slice of that to toiletries and incidentals.
Sample Monthly Budget
This example keeps things simple for a student in Manchester taking classes/labs and/or working nearby.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Off‑campus rent (1BR near MCC/UNH‑Manchester) | $1,769 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $289 |
| Groceries | $387 |
| Transport costs | $60 |
| Personal supplies & toiletries | $70 |
| Dining out & entertainment | $120 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,745 |
Online and Hybrid Learning Options
Many training programs now offer online and hybrid courses. These options allow students to learn independently while managing work and personal responsibilities.
- Virtual labs and interactive training
- Flexible learning schedules
- Provides essential refinery operation knowledge
Core Skills Developed in Refinery Operator Training
Training programs teach students how to manage refinery systems and ensure safe operations. Key skills include:
Monitoring Process Indicators and Control Systems
Refinery operators track real-time data to maintain proper refining conditions. They monitor pressure, flow rates, and system performance to optimize efficiency.
Safety Protocols and Hazard Management
Operators learn how to use safety equipment and follow procedures to prevent accidents. Regular inspections help identify and resolve potential hazards.
Equipment Maintenance and Malfunction Reporting
Operators maintain machinery like pumps and valves to prevent failures. Proper maintenance ensures refinery operations run smoothly and safely.
Career Opportunities in Petroleum Refining
Completing a training program opens doors to various refinery-related jobs. Employers seek trained professionals to fill key roles, including:
Petroleum Pump System Operators
These operators control pumps that move petroleum through pipelines. They monitor flow rates, inspect equipment, and ensure system efficiency.
Offshore Production Workers
Graduates can also work on offshore oil rigs, overseeing petroleum transportation and maintaining equipment in high-risk environments.
Refinery Operator Positions
Refinery operators manage refining units and oil flow into pipelines. Entry-level salaries range from $13 to $30 per hour, with experienced operators earning up to $50 per hour.
Job Listings for Refinery Operators and Other Related Fields
New Hampshire openings concentrate around Portsmouth/Newington fuel terminals, Merrimack Valley manufacturing, and Seacoast utilities and water/wastewater, with additional roles near Concord and Manchester. Not every posting is a refinery-operator job – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation in 24/7 facilities. Expect steady hiring for safety-minded techs across day and rotating shifts, with port-adjacent roles sometimes requiring a TWIC.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Plant Operator | EMCOR Group | Durham, NH | 09/24/2025 |
| Wastewater & Hazardous Waste Lead | Hubbell Power Systems | Lincoln, NH | 09/23/2025 |
| Wastewater Operator | Weston & Sampson | New Hampshire | 05/22/2025 |
| Fuel and Ash Handler II | WIN Waste Innovations | Penacook, NH | 04/10/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org
Benefits of Completing a Refinery Operator Training Program
Enrolling in a training program provides job security and career advancement opportunities. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Job Stability
The demand for skilled refinery operators remains high. Trained professionals have a competitive advantage in the job market.
Higher Earning Potential
Refinery operators with certifications earn higher salaries than those without formal training. Advanced certifications further increase earning opportunities.
Career Growth and Development
Training programs help operators develop expertise in equipment maintenance, process monitoring, and safety management. Continued learning supports career advancement.
Refinery operator training programs in New Hampshire provide essential skills for a stable career in petroleum refining. Clark Community College and El Paso Technical Institute offer hands-on and online learning options. Graduates gain valuable knowledge in equipment maintenance, process monitoring, and safety protocols. These programs prepare individuals for high-demand jobs with opportunities for long-term career growth.