Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Tennessee

Refinery operator training programs in Tennessee provide essential skills for work at local oil refineries. The state has one operating petroleum refinery located in Memphis.

This facility refines about 180,000 barrels of crude oil daily, accounting for roughly 1% of U.S. refining capacity. The refinery receives crude oil from the Diamond Pipeline, which transports oil from Cushing, Oklahoma. With many experienced operators retiring, these training programs prepare new talent to meet the industry’s needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications

For Valero Memphis and area terminals, candidates generally need HS/GED, be 18+, possess a driver’s license, pass pre‑employment testing/drug/medical screens, and be able to obtain a TWIC; prior refinery/chemical‑plant experience or a process tech credential is preferred, along with willingness for 12‑hour rotations.

Refinery Operator Training Programs

Tennessee faces a growing need for new refinery operators as older workers retire. Training programs offer courses that teach safety procedures, equipment handling, and process control. Students earn a certificate upon completion, which helps them secure entry-level jobs in local refineries and related sectors.

Chattanooga State Community College – Chemical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)

Address: 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406, United States
Tel: +1 423-697-4400
Tuition fee:
- In-state: $191/credit
- Out-of-state: $331/credit

Training for process‑technician roles in petrochemical and other process industries, with hands‑on learning that covers operating and monitoring manufacturing processes through automated control systems.

Program highlights:

Prepares graduates to perform the job functions of a Process Technician across petrochemical, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and waste‑management facilities.
Emphasis on automated control systems for plant operations.
Experience with key unit operations and equipment, including boilers, cooling towers, distillation columns, and reactors.
Industry collaboration via the Wacker Institute to develop technicians for the petrochemical sector.

Roane State Community College – Chemical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.) (Harriman, TN)

Address: 276 Patton Ln, Harriman, TN 37748, United States
Tel: +1 865-354-3000
Tuition fee:
- In-state: $191/credit
- Out-of-state: $331/credit

An applied pathway in process design, operation, and maintenance with connections to local employers – leading to roles in industries that include petrochemical processing and metal refining.

Program highlights:

Learning outcomes centered on applying chemical engineering technology to process design, operation, and maintenance.
Career settings span chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, nuclear processing, metal refining, waste treatment, and more.
Built‑in support to work with local companies and receive job‑placement help.

Middle Tennessee 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. Study fully online via MTSU’s Ed2Go career‑training portal and start anytime.

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, issued by MTSU for partner‑delivered programs).
Key topics: safety (HAZCOM/LOTO), basic instrumentation & control, reading P&IDs, pumps/heat exchangers, distillation & core refining processes.
Who it’s for / prereqs: Beginners; HS diploma/equivalent and basic computer skills recommended.

Pathways Into Refinery Operations

If you want to work in a refinery, you don’t always need a degree that says “refinery operations.” Other technical training routes can give you the same building blocks – control systems, equipment monitoring, process logic, and safety skills – that refineries look for in operators.

In Tennessee, training in Process Technology or Power Plant Operator programs is available. These paths teach you how to monitor process units, maintain equipment, understand instrumentation, and apply safety practices – creating a solid foundation to enter as an operator and move up into more responsible roles over time.

Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Tennessee

Here’s a simple, student‑focused snapshot for Chattanooga State Community College (CSCC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. CSCC is a commuter campus and does not offer on‑campus housing. Tigerpedia

Chattanooga State Community College (Chattanooga, TN)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$1,234/month (Chattanooga city 1‑BR average, Sept 2025). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not available (no residence halls). Tigerpedia

Additional cost considerations

If you rent off campus near CSCC, plan for utilities, getting to/from campus or work, and everyday essentials. The figures below are simple monthly anchors from current local/state sources.

Utilities

Expect these separate charges unless your lease bundles them:

Electricity: about $135/month – Tennessee’s average residential electric bill (EIA 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
Natural gas (heat/cooking): plan about $66/month (statewide benchmark cited via Forbes; actual bills vary by use). Unbiased
Water & sewer (Chattanooga area): billed on metered water use; WWTA’s 2024 schedule shows $18.55 per 1,000 gal up to 100k gallons plus a monthly minimum by meter size. Small apartments commonly budget ~$50–$60/month when tenant‑paid. Hamilton County WWTA+1
Home internet: EPB Fiber starter plan 300 Mbps = $57.99/month; Xfinity’s 300 Mbps = $55/month (5‑year price lock) is another common option. EPB+1

Transport and commute costs

CARTA local bus: 31‑Day unlimited pass $50; single rides $1.50. The Downtown Electric Shuttle is free (useful if you transfer downtown). CARTA CARTA+1
Parking at CSCC: Student parking decals are free (included with access fees; registration required). Chattanooga State Community College+1
If you drive: Tennessee’s average regular gas price ~ $2.77/gal today (AAA). AAA Fuel Prices

Food and supplies

MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Hamilton County is a clean planning guide for one adult:

**Groceries (“Food”): ~ $4,679/year → plan ~ $390/month. Living Wage Calculator
**“Other” necessities (personal care, small household items, etc.): ~ $3,770/year → ~ $314/month. In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous so it’s easy to plan.

Sample Monthly Budget

Example for a CSCC student renting a 1‑bedroom in Chattanooga and using a CARTA 31‑Day pass. Sources are shown on each line; calculation steps are omitted per your instructions.

Expense category	Estimated monthly cost
Off campus rent	$1,234
Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet)	$314
Groceries	$390
Transport costs	$50
Personal supplies and toiletries	$120
Dining out and entertainment	$160
Miscellaneous	$34
Total estimated monthly cost	$2,302

Basic Process Instrumentation and Control

This course teaches students to control refinery systems’ temperature, pressure, and flow. They study how to keep systems running efficiently and safely. Hands-on workshops help students practice using instruments to monitor conditions and trigger alarms in case of issues. These skills help avoid economic losses and maintain product quality.

Electrical Safety and Electricity in Refineries

Workers in oil refineries must take electrical safety training. The course teaches safe practices to prevent risks like arc flashes and electric shocks. It follows guidelines from OSHA and the National Electrical Code. For example, the Memphis refinery uses strict safety protocols and has earned awards for its safety practices.

Key Skills for Entry-Level Employment

Training programs provide the skills needed for entry-level roles. Students learn to read, follow safety instructions, use mechanical tools, and understand basic science and math, such as chemistry and algebra. They also train in physical tasks like lifting heavy objects and moving machinery.

Enrollment and Advising Support

Enrollment specialists guide students through the application process. They explain course details, payment options, and available resources. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic computer skills. Some candidates may qualify for financial aid through vocational programs or workforce development boards.

Financial Assistance and Payment Options

Some programs offer financial aid options. Although non-credit courses like FAFSA or Pell Grants do not qualify for federal aid, schools may provide other funding opportunities. Payment plans allow students to pay in smaller monthly installments, making training more affordable.

Virtual National Apprenticeship Week Events

Virtual National Apprenticeship Week features online webinars, workshops, and networking sessions. Industry experts share their knowledge during these events. Students meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities. These events also help raise awareness of apprenticeship programs and support career growth.

Tennessee’s Petroleum Refineries

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Tennessee has one operating petroleum refinery in Memphis. This facility processes around 180,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making up roughly 1% of the nation’s total refining capacity.

The refinery receives its crude oil from the Diamond Pipeline, which supplies oil from Cushing, Oklahoma. Instruments monitor emissions and environmental data to meet regulatory standards and maintain safe operations.

Workshops and Employer Interactions

During National Apprenticeship Week, apprentices join workshops and live sessions to meet potential employers. These events allow students to learn directly from industry professionals and build professional contacts. The interactions help students understand the job market and can lead to future employment.

Self-Paced Courses and Completion Dates

Self-paced courses let students decide when and where to study. Students can finish a course within a year. This flexible option helps learners set their own pace and may allow them to earn college credits. Self-paced learning supports goal setting and improves information retention, which is vital for entry-level roles.

Career Pathways and Advancement

Refinery operators can advance to senior operator, production assembler, or business owner roles. Continuous learning and skill development open the door to management positions. Data from process instruments helps operators monitor performance and plan maintenance. With proper training and experience, operators can achieve significant career growth.

Tennessee is projected to see strong growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Although the workforce is relatively small, the increase in jobs and steady annual openings make this a promising state for opportunities in the field.

Employment (2022): 170 employees
Projected employment (2032): 190 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): 12%
Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 20

Refinery Operator Salaries in Tennessee

Area	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean annual wage	Hourly wage 10th percentile	Hourly wage 25th percentile	Hourly wage 75th percentile	Hourly wage 90th percentile
Tennessee	$40.55	$84,340	$31.65	$36.24	$46.03	$47.26
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	$46.03	$95,750	$35.87	$36.24	$46.03	$46.03

Find Refinery Operator Job Listings in Tennessee

Tennessee openings span Memphis river terminals and pipelines, Nashville and Chattanooga manufacturing/power hubs, and Knoxville–Kingsport process/chemical plants. Not every posting is a refinery-operator job – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across TVA power, terminals, and large manufacturers. Expect day and rotating shifts with steady demand for safety-minded techs.

Job Title	Company	Location	Date Posted
Liquids Petroleum Operator	Delek US Holdings	Nashville, TN	10/01/2025

Source: CareerOneStop.org