Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Oklahoma
Refinery operator training programs in Oklahoma provide essential skills for those seeking careers in the oil refining industry. The state is home to major refineries, including facilities operated by Phillips 66, Valero, and HollyFrontier, creating a strong demand for trained professionals.
Institutions such as Clark Community College and Southern Tech offer structured programs to meet industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for refinery operations.
Refinery Operator Training Overview
Oklahoma offers specialized training programs focused on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. These programs teach safe and efficient refinery operations, preparing students for industry roles.
Institutions like Clark Community College offer structured courses that combine online learning with practical training. Graduates receive industry-recognized certifications, improving job opportunities in the oil refinery sector.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Operators for sites like Ponca City or Ardmore are generally required to be 18+ with HS/GED, legally authorized to work in the U.S., hold a driver’s license, and pass online/aptitude assessments, physicals, and drug screens; prior refinery/industrial experience and PTEC/technical degrees are favored. Willingness to work DuPont‑style 12‑hour rotations and qualify on units is expected.
Key Training Components
Refinery operations training covers core topics such as:
- Process instrumentation and control
- Pump operations
- Equipment monitoring
- Safety procedures
- Hydrocarbon processing
Experienced instructors lead courses with hands-on training to ensure students gain practical skills.
Major Refineries in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to several significant petroleum refineries that contribute to the state’s substantial oil industry. These include:
| Refinery Name | Location | Operator | Capacity (barrels per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardmore Refinery | Ardmore | Valero | 86,000 |
| Ponca City Refinery | Ponca City | Phillips 66 | 200,000 |
| Tulsa Refinery (East & West) | Tulsa | HF Sinclair | 155,300 |
| Wynnewood Refinery | Wynnewood | CVR Energy | 70,000 |
These refineries require skilled operators to maintain production efficiency and ensure smooth operations. Oklahoma training programs are designed to meet the specific needs of these facilities, preparing graduates for roles in refinery operations.
Leading Training Institutions
Northern Oklahoma College – Process Technology (A.A.S.)
- Address: 1220 E Grand Ave, Tonkawa, OK 74653, United States
- Tel: +1 580-628-6200
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $122.70/credit
- Non-resident: $348.20/credit
An associate‑level pathway into front‑line process operations, grounded in refining and chemical‑processing principles, unit operations, safety and environmental compliance, and troubleshooting – developed with major petrochemical partners.
Program highlights
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Process Technology.
- Core focus: Foundations in refining/chemical processing, operating a unit, safety & environmental regulations, and systems troubleshooting.
- Intake: Program starts each Fall; space is limited and applications are accepted until March 15.
- Industry connection & support: Built in partnership with ConocoPhillips, BP, Sunoco, Valero, Sinclair; scholarships include the Phillips 66 Process Technology Scholarship Fund and Koch Fertilizer support.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) – Power Plant Technology (A.A.S.)
- Address: 1801 E 4th St, Okmulgee, OK 74447, United States
- Tel: +1 918-293-4678
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $152.45/credit
- Non-resident: $339.45/credit
In‑person training that shows how large plants run – from water systems and circuit design to reading critical diagrams – backed by hands‑on labs and visits to nearby power plants; graduates move into operator and controls roles across the energy sector.
Program highlights
- Degree & site: A.A.S. in Power Plant Technology at OSUIT (Okmulgee).
- Learning model: Hands‑on laboratory work plus field visits to local power plants.
- Skill set: Plant systems understanding (e.g., water systems, circuit design) and interpreting critical diagrams used in operating facilities.
- Career paths noted: Power plant operator, instrumentation & controls technician, maintenance technician.
Oklahoma State University
This self‑paced online program builds core refinery‑operator skills – safety, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting – so beginners can prepare for entry‑level roles. You can start anytime and study 100% online.
Tuition Fee: $2,795.00
Program highlights:
- Format: 100% online, self‑paced; open enrollment/start anytime.
- Length & access: 400 course hours with up to 12 months to finish.
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (noncredit).
- Key topics: safety (HAZCOM/LOTO), basic instrumentation & control, reading P&IDs, pumps/heat exchangers, distillation & core refining processes.
- Who it’s for / prereqs: Beginners; basic computer skills and a high‑school diploma or equivalent recommended.
Course Structure
Refinery training programs balance classroom learning and hands-on experience. Key subjects include:
- System process management
- Flow rate, temperature, and pressure monitoring
- Pump and valve operations
- Electrical safety and process instrumentation
- Industrial mathematics and physics
Programs emphasize problem-solving and communication skills essential for career growth in the oil industry.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t need to enroll in a class called “refinery operations” to get started. Technical programs in allied fields teach many of the same skills – process control, system logic, equipment handling, and safety – that refineries rely on.
In Oklahoma, paths such as Process Technology and Power Plant Operator Training can lead you into refinery work. These programs equip you to monitor systems, maintain equipment, understand control logic, and apply safe operations – laying the foundation to step into entry-level operator roles and advance toward control room, optimization, or leadership positions.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Oklahoma
Below are quick, student‑friendly rent snapshots for NOC’s three locations. On‑campus notes list the residence‑hall room (housing) cost only; meal plans are separate when required.
- NOC Tonkawa (Tonkawa, OK)
- Off‑campus (near Tonkawa): ~$560/month for a 1‑bedroom in nearby Ponca City (15 miles south), used here as the closest consistent market benchmark. Apartments.com lists a 1‑bedroom average of about $562/month in Ponca City; Tonkawa listings often fall in the mid‑$500s as well. Apartments.com+2Apartments.com+2
- On‑campus (room only): about $770/mo in Mavericks Hall ($3,085/semester), $520/mo in Boehme/Threlkeld ($2,070/semester), and $460/mo in Bush‑Duvall & Easterling ($1,835/semester). Meal plans add $1,535–$1,710 per semester if selected/required. Northern Oklahoma College
- NOC Enid (Enid, OK)
- Off‑campus: ~$712/month average for a 1‑bedroom in Enid (citywide). Apartments.com
- On‑campus (room only): about $770/mo in Jets Hall ($3,085/semester), $575/mo in Lankard ($2,300/semester), and $460/mo in E.B. Hall ($1,835/semester). Meal plans add $1,535–$1,710 per semester. Northern Oklahoma College
- NOC Stillwater (Stillwater, OK)
- Off‑campus: ~$801/month average for a 1‑bedroom in Stillwater (citywide). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: NOC Stillwater (Gateway) students can live in OSU housing. Typical OSU traditional halls start around $615/month per person; suite/apartment options run higher
Additional cost considerations (off‑campus students)
Living off campus near NOC’s Tonkawa, Enid, or Stillwater sites brings a few predictable monthly costs beyond rent. Here are simple, realistic figures grounded in local/state sources.
Utilities
Plan for these basics if your lease doesn’t include them:
- Electricity: Oklahoma households average about $129/month. U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): A practical planning figure is ~$70/month in Oklahoma; ONG’s cost of gas varies month‑to‑month (see current tariff & cost‑of‑gas postings). Unbiased+1
- Water/sewer & trash: Using nearby Ponca City’s current utility rate sheet as a local proxy (Tonkawa area), expect roughly $30–$45/month for a small apartment, depending on usage and service bundle. Ponca City
- Home internet: Entry plans around $50–$55/month are common locally (e.g., AT&T Fiber “Internet 300” advertises $55/mo in Stillwater; Sparklight and Cox offer similar entry tiers in northern OK markets). AT&T+2HighSpeedInternet.com+2
Transport & commute costs
- Gasoline: Oklahoma’s state average is currently about $2.68/gal (Regular). Your monthly fuel spend depends on miles driven. AAA Fuel Prices
- Local transit:
- Enid: Enid Public Transportation rides $2 each when booked a business day in advance ($5 same‑day). enid.org
- Stillwater: OSU/Stillwater fixed‑route buses are fare‑free for OSU ID holders (relevant for NOC Gateway students who obtain OSU credentials). parking.okstate.edu+1
- Regional demand‑response (Kay & nearby counties): Cherokee Strip Transit (NODA) operates intercity and local trips (e.g., Tonkawa↔Ponca City $15) – handy for non‑drivers. noda-ok.org
- Parking: NOC student parking permits are issued at no additional fee (Enid checklist; policy requires permits). OSU permits for those living/commuting on the Stillwater campus are priced separately by OSU. Website CDN+2Northern Oklahoma College+2
Food & supplies
- Groceries: For Kay County (Tonkawa area), MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates annual food needs for one adult at $3,994 – i.e., roughly low‑$300s per month in practice. Living Wage Calculator
- Personal supplies & toiletries: MIT’s “Other” necessities category in Kay County is $3,770/year – about low‑$300s per month for basics like toiletries, laundry, and household items. Living Wage Calculator
- Dining out (optional): An inexpensive restaurant meal in Stillwater runs about $15; setting aside $60–$100/month covers a few meals out plus modest entertainment.
Sample monthly budget
Below is a simple, off‑campus budget for a single student near NOC Tonkawa (using the Ponca City 1‑bedroom average for rent and Oklahoma‑specific costs above). Your actual numbers will vary by lease inclusions, roommates, and commute.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off‑campus rent | $562 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $285 |
| Groceries | $335 |
| Transport costs | $120 |
| Personal supplies & toiletries | $315 |
| Dining out & entertainment | $90 |
| Miscellaneous | $75 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,782 |
Certification and Career Advancement
Completing a refinery operator program leads to certification and verifying knowledge and skills. Certified operators have better job prospects and higher earning potential.
Graduates receive job search support, including resume-building and interview preparation. Many programs also connect students with apprenticeship opportunities.
Financial Assistance and Enrollment Support
Financial aid options include:
- Accelerating Independence Scholarship (full tuition for eligible students in Tulsa)
- Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) for Pell-eligible students
- Tulsa Tech Education Foundation scholarships
- Veteran education benefits through the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs
Advisors assist with enrollment and financial aid applications, ensuring students receive necessary support.
Job Prospects and Career Growth
Refinery operators enjoy stable employment, earning between $13 and $20 per hour. Experienced operators can earn up to $35 per hour.
Oklahoma is projected to see moderate growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. With one of the larger workforces in the country, the state will continue to offer strong career opportunities supported by a high number of annual openings.
- Employment (2022): 2,100 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 2,170 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 3%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 200
Apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn, gaining real-world experience. Career progression includes opportunities in safety management and environmental compliance.
Refinery Operator Salaries in Oklahoma
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Oklahoma | $43.20 | $89,850 | $34.49 | $38.65 | $49.43 | $52.97 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $39.80 | $82,790 | $29.97 | $37.81 | $42.59 | $46.44 |
| Tulsa, OK | $52.97 | $110,180 | $37.72 | $42.59 | $52.97 | $52.97 |
Job Listings for Refinery Operators and Other Related Fields in Oklahoma
Oklahoma openings span the Cushing pipeline hub, refineries in Ponca City, Ardmore, and Wynnewood, and industrial sites around Tulsa and Oklahoma City – plus gas-processing across the Anadarko Basin. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across 24/7 facilities. Expect rotating and day-shift opportunities tied to midstream terminals, power/utility plants, and large manufacturing.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Manager System Protection & Control | OGE Energy Corp. | Oklahoma City, OK | 10/01/2025 |
| Engineer Sr. (GENERATION Regulated Renewables/Wind, BoP, SCADA) | American Electric Power | Tulsa, OK | 09/30/2025 |
| Process Controls Engineer | Hargrove Engineers & Constructors | Okmulgee, OK | 09/11/2025 |
| Diesel Mechanic | WM | Tulsa, OK | 06/27/2025 |
Please note: The above mentioned job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. For more accurate information, visit CareerOneStop.org.
Flexible Learning Options
Many programs offer both online and in-person classes. Asynchronous learning options allow students to study at their own pace. This flexibility benefits working professionals and those with busy schedules.
Start Your Training Today
Institutions like Clark Community College and Southern Tech offer comprehensive training for refinery operators. With financial aid, flexible schedules, and strong job prospects, now is the time to start your career in refinery operations.