Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in New York
Interested in becoming a refinery operator in New York? Refinery operator training programs in New York provide hands-on education to prepare individuals for the state’s energy sector careers.
New York has various refineries and industrial processing facilities, creating demand for trained professionals. Programs focus on safety, process operations, and technical skills required to work in the state’s refineries, power plants, and chemical facilities.
Required Skills and Qualifications
With no operating refineries, applicants pursue terminal/process jobs in the New York Harbor ecosystem; beyond HS/GED, safety and mechanical aptitude, rotating availability, and screenings, TWIC is standard for unescorted access at port facilities.
Refinery Operator Training Programs
New York’s refinery operator training programs run year-round, offer flexible enrollment, and lead to a Certificate of Completion. This certification enhances employability in the energy sector.
Institutions like The City College of New York provide hands-on training with experienced instructors. These programs equip students with the practical skills needed for refinery operations.
Growing demand for refinery workers ensures job opportunities for graduates. Financial aid and industry partnerships further support job placement.
Key Institutions Offering Training
Several institutions in New York offer refinery operator training. The City College of New York offers courses focusing on refinery operations and welcomes participants with different experience levels.
Monroe Community College – Certified Industry 4.0 Process Control Technician (Rochester, NY)
- Address: 1000 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623, United States
- Tel: +1 585-292-2000
- Tuition fee: $4,395
This in‑person certification trains on the instrumentation and control skills used to run industrial fluid processes – exactly the kind of loop tuning and troubleshooting refinery operators rely on. Classes meet at MCC’s Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center in downtown Rochester.
Program highlights
- Focus on installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining instrumentation and control systems that regulate flow, pressure, and temperature using transmitters, transducers, and PID controllers.
- Built on Amatrol curriculum with stackable micro‑credentials: Process Control Systems 1 (Level & Flow), Process Control 2 (Temperature), and Process Control Troubleshooting.
- Scheduled, instructor‑led format at the FWD Center (321 State St., Rochester, NY), with published dates/times and room details on the course page.
Hudson Valley Community College – Mechatronics (AOS), Troy, NY
- Address: 80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180, United States
- Tel: +1 877-325-4822
- Tuition fee: $211/credit (NYS resident) or $2,528/semester.
An applied, hands‑on degree that develops the controls and automation skill set behind modern process plants. Coursework spans control circuitry, PLC/HMI/SCADA, instrumentation, and process control – core tools for entry‑level operations roles in complex facilities.
Program highlights
- Hands‑on training in installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of control circuitry and machine‑to‑machine networks.
- Coursework includes digital control systems, instrumentation, pneumatics/hydraulics, and explicit coverage of process control and sensor technology.
- Exposure to PLCs, VFDs, industrial communication networks, and HMI/SCADA systems used to monitor and control plant operations.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a program explicitly named “refinery operations” to enter this field. Many technical courses cover overlapping skills – process control, instrumentation, safety, system logic – that refineries value and depend on.
In New York, one option is Oil Refinery Operations training (such as the online course offered by City College of New York). CCNY Career Training You can also pursue related paths like Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Environment. These routes help you learn how to monitor systems, troubleshoot equipment, follow safe operating practices, and control process variables – skills you’ll use as an operator and build on as you move into more advanced roles.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in New York
Here’s an easy, student‑focused snapshot for Monroe Community College (Rochester, New York). MCC offers apartment‑style on‑campus housing (Alice Holloway Young Commons) and most students also consider nearby off‑campus rentals.
- Monroe Community College (Rochester, NY)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$1,297/month (Rochester city 1‑BR average, Sept 2025). Apartments.com
- On‑campus (Alice Holloway Young Commons):
- Double (10‑month contract): ~$770/month (listed $3,750/semester; $7,700/year). Monroe Community College
- Single (10‑month): ~$860/month (listed $4,300/semester; $8,600/year). Monroe Community College
- D‑Single (smaller single, 10‑month): ~$830/month (listed $4,150/semester; $8,300/year). Monroe Community College
- Single (12‑month option): ~$950/month (listed $5,700/semester; $11,400/year). Monroe Community College
- Meal plans are not required for MCC residents; suites include kitchens and campus Wi‑Fi.
Additional Cost Considerations
If you’ll live off campus near MCC (Brighton or Downtown campuses), plan for utilities, commuting, and everyday supplies. Figures below use current local/state sources and keep things simple.
Utilities
Plan for four line items unless your lease includes some of them.
- Electricity: about $126/month – New York’s average residential electric bill (EIA 2023). EIA
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): plan ~ $70/month for a small apartment; RG&E shows typical monthly gas costs for a “typical customer” (1,000 therms/year) and how bills vary by season. rge
- Water & sewer (City of Rochester): water charges use a meter base + consumption (FY 2025 schedule effective July 1, 2025). Residential wastewater is billed per 100 cu ft (FY 2025 schedule shows $9.40 per 100 cu ft proposed). A small apartment often budgets around $50/month when tenant‑paid. City of Rochester+1
- Home internet: about $50/month (e.g., Spectrum Internet Premier ~ $50/mo in Rochester; Greenlight Networks fiber 500 Mbps ~$50/mo where available). Spectrum+1
Tip: Many Rochester complexes include some utilities; MCC’s off‑campus list shows examples with heat/hot water or internet included. Monroe Community College
Transport and Commute Costs
- RTS city bus (MCC students): The MCC U‑Pass (covered by a $75/semester Transportation Fee) lets eligible students ride RTS Connect fare‑free with MCC ID; no extra monthly cost. Monroe Community College+2Monroe Community College+2
- If you’re not eligible or prefer to buy passes, RTS Go caps fares at $56/month on RTS Connect. RTS+1
- Driving: Rochester’s current AAA metro gas average is about $3.22/gal; campus parking is included in the MCC transportation program (just register your vehicle). AAA Fuel Prices+1
Food and Supplies
For one adult in Monroe County, the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates annual food at $4,485 (good grocery proxy) and “Other” necessities at $4,566 annually (personal care, small household items, etc.). Use these as simple monthly anchors for planning.
Sample Monthly Budget
Example for an MCC student renting a 1‑bedroom off campus in Rochester and using the MCC U‑Pass (bus rides included). Sources appear on each line; no calculation steps shown.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $1,297 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $296 |
| Groceries | $374 |
| Transport costs | $0 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $180 |
| Miscellaneous | $81 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,348 |
Course Content and Curriculum
Most refinery training programs last around 12 months, covering core safety practices and technical skills. Students learn equipment handling, process control, and emergency response.
Entry Requirements
Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic computer skills are required to operate modern refinery systems.
Math proficiency is essential for understanding process instrumentation and flow rates, ensuring students grasp key technical concepts.
Learning Objectives
Programs teach refinery operators how to manage production processes efficiently and safely. Training emphasizes the economic impact of operational decisions and equips students to handle workplace challenges.
Teamwork and communication are critical components. Operators must collaborate effectively to maintain workflow and prevent issues.
Hands-On Training and Simulation
Practical training is essential in refinery operator programs. Industry-experienced instructors guide students through real-world scenarios, enhancing skill development.
Advanced simulation exercises improve decision-making and problem-solving. Continuous assessment helps refine skills and ensure readiness for on-the-job challenges.
Career Opportunities and Job Market
Graduates of these programs enter a strong job market. Retiring workers create openings for new refinery operators, offering stable career prospects.
Certification improves hiring chances and provides career advancement opportunities. Graduates can progress into senior management roles, contributing to industry stability.
Career counselors assist students in job searches, helping them explore various employment options.
Refinery Operator Salaries in New York
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| New York | $35.87 | $74,600 | $24.47 | $28.33 | $44.41 | $48.88 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $48.72 | $101,340 | $37.25 | $47.27 | $48.72 | $51.67 |
Explore Refinery Operator Job Listings in New York
New York openings are concentrated around NYC/Long Island fuel terminals and utilities, the Hudson River–Albany corridor, and manufacturing hubs in Rochester and Buffalo. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across terminals, power, pharma/chem, and water/wastewater. Expect steady hiring at 24/7 facilities, with some port-adjacent roles requiring a TWIC and both rotating and day-shift options.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Sr. Distribution System Operator, OR Distribution Control Center | Orange & Rockland Utilities Inc. | Spring Valley, NY | 09/30/2025 |
| Part Time System Operator I Trainee | WSP USA | Long Island City, NY | 06/29/2025 |
| Sr. Distribution System Operator, OR Distribution Control Center | Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. | New York, NY | 09/30/2025 |
Please note: The above mentioned job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. For more accurate information, please visit CareerOneStop.org.
Financial Assistance and Enrollment Options
Flexible enrollment options allow students to start training at different times throughout the year. This accommodates working professionals and those with other commitments.
Financial aid, including federal assistance and scholarships, makes training more accessible. Support programs help increase the pool of qualified refinery operators.
Experienced Instructors
Refinery training programs rely on skilled instructors with industry backgrounds. Their experience ensures students gain practical knowledge applicable to real-world operations.
Instructors design hands-on training activities that simulate refinery conditions, providing comprehensive learning experiences.
Safety Training and Compliance
Safety training is a core component. Programs cover regulations, electrical safety, process instrumentation, and emergency response.
Students learn risk management, hazard identification, and proper use of protective equipment. Training prepares them for handling confined spaces and high-risk environments.
Industry Partnerships and Workforce Development
Collaborations between educational institutions and industry leaders ensure training aligns with workforce needs. High school outreach programs encourage students to pursue refinery careers.
With job openings projected to rise, workforce development efforts help prevent labor shortages and support industry growth.
Benefits of Completing a Training Program
Graduates enjoy job security due to the strong demand for refinery operators. Competitive salaries make the field attractive to newcomers.
Training programs offer career growth opportunities, including pathways to senior positions. Financial aid options increase accessibility for prospective students.
Refinery operator training in New York provides the skills needed for a career in the energy sector. Courses cover safety, equipment handling, and process management. With financial aid and flexible enrollment, these programs accommodate a diverse student base.
Upon completion, graduates gain access to stable jobs with competitive pay. Expert instruction and industry partnerships ensure they are well-prepared for refinery operations. These programs serve as a gateway to a rewarding career in energy production.