Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Utah
Utah offers clear career paths for those interested in refinery operator training programs in Utah. The state provides on-site training, OSHA safety courses, and specialized certifications. These programs prepare workers for the practical demands of the oil industry. Local refineries also serve as active training grounds for hands-on experience.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Along the Salt Lake cluster, postings commonly require HS/GED, driver’s license, ability to pass drug/medical/background screens and pre‑hire testing, plus willingness to work 12‑hour shifts in all weather; prior industrial/process experience and an associate degree in process tech are frequent preferences.
Overview of Training Programs
Utah offers training programs that focus on real work settings and safety. These programs help workers learn the skills needed for success in the oil sector.
Bridgerland Technical College – Boiler Operator Level 1 (Custom Fit)
- Address: 1301 N 600 W, Logan, UT 84321, United States
- Tel: +1 435-753-6780
- Tuition fee: $1,985
Focused, multi‑day training that explains how industrial steam‑boiler systems work, how to operate them safely and efficiently, and what equipment and practices keep them reliable.
Program highlights
- Audience: Boiler operators, maintenance staff, and frontline employees who need a practical boiler foundation.
- Safety emphasis: Best practices for efficient, safe, and reliable service.
- Core topics: Boiler systems; steam fittings & accessories; feedwater systems; water treatment; combustion equipment; fuels & combustion; combustion/boiler controls; draft systems; instrumentation & control systems; steam‑boiler operations.
Salt Lake Community College – PLC & VFD Systems (Certificate, 150 hours)
- Address: 4600 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123, United States
- Tel: +1 801-957-4111
- Tuition fee: $1,700
A six‑course, 150‑hour certificate that builds industrial control and instrumentation capability – combining lecture with labs to take you from basic and complex controls to motors/VFDs, integrated controls, and an Instrumentation module.
Program highlights
- Structure: 6 courses / 150 hours; skills‑based classes with lecture and lab components. SLCC
- Outcomes: Practice PPE and LOTO, measure AC/DC signals, and design/document/construct control systems that integrate VFDs, HMIs, motors, and PLCs using Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk; read control prints; solder simple circuits and cables. SLCC
- Course sequence: Basic Controls (WTAU 110) → Electrical Safety (WTAU 100) → Complex Controls (WTAU 130) → Motors & VFD Systems (WTAU 140) → Integrated Controls (WTAU 150) → Instrumentation (WTAU 160).
Utah Valley 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 hours, 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.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a program specifically called “refinery operations” to get started. Many technical routes teach the same core skills – system control, equipment logic, process monitoring, and safety – that refineries rely on daily.
In Utah, students could pursue Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance programs. These paths give you hands-on experience with systems, troubleshooting, control logic, and operational safeguards – skills that prepare you for operator roles and allow you to grow into more advanced positions over time.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools
Here’s a simple, student‑focused snapshot for Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) in Logan, Utah. BTECH is a commuter college and does not provide on‑campus student housing. Some students choose nearby housing (including USU housing, which may be available to full‑time BTECH students). Bridgerland Technical College+2Bridgerland Technical College+2
- Bridgerland Technical College (Logan, UT)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$1,377/month (Logan 1‑BR average, Sept 2025). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered by BTECH (see Consumer Info). USU on‑campus options exist separately. Bridgerland Technical College+1
Additional Cost Considerations
For an aspiring refinery operator or related student living off campus near BTECH, plan for utilities, commuting, and everyday essentials. Figures below are straightforward monthly anchors drawn from local/state sources.
Utilities
Most Logan rentals bill electricity, natural gas, water/sewer, and home internet separately.
- Electricity: about $84.97/month – Utah’s average residential electric bill (2023, EIA). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): plan ~$55/month for a small apartment; typical U.S. range is $40–$75/month depending on season and use. HomeGuide
- Water (City of Logan): Base charge $26.86/month (≤1″ meter) plus usage $1.66 per 1,000 gal (0–10 kgal) and $2.68 per 1,000 gal (10+ kgal). Many one‑bedroom tenants budget ~$45–$55/month when they pay water/sewer. Revize
- Home internet: entry fiber/cable plans commonly $50–$55/month (e.g., Quantum Fiber 500 Mbps $50/mo; Xfinity 5‑year price‑lock ~ $55/mo). Quantum Fiber+1
Transport and Commute Costs
- Local bus (Connect Transit / Cache Valley): $0 – system is zero‑fare. rideconnectutah.gov+1
- Driving: use fuel only if you choose to drive. AAA’s current Logan average is ~ $3.36/gal (regular); statewide Utah average ~ $3.29/gal. Campus parking is available on a first‑come basis; student temporary permits are issued through departments (policy link). AAA Fuel Prices Bridgerland Technical College
Food and Supplies
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator (updated Feb 10, 2025) offers clean monthly planning anchors for Cache County:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~ $4,040/year → plan ~ $337/month. Living Wage Calculator
- “Other” necessities (personal care, small household items, phone share, etc.): ~ $4,749/year → ~ $396/month. In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous so it’s easy to plan. Living Wage Calculator
Sample Monthly Budget
Example for a BTECH student renting a 1‑bedroom in Logan and mostly using the zero‑fare bus. (No calculation steps shown; each line cites its source.)
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $1,377 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $240 |
| Groceries | $337 |
| Transport costs | $0 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $130 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $180 |
| Miscellaneous | $86 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,350 |
OSHA Training
OSHA training teaches safety rules, proper protective gear use, and emergency procedures, making the work site safer for everyone.
Specialized Courses for Petroleum Pump System Operators
Specialized courses help workers learn how to manage pump systems and maintain equipment. For example, the Certified Petroleum Pump System and Refinery Plant Operator course gives hands-on practice with pump technology and system maintenance. Using case studies and simulations, the course covers pump technology, diagnostics, maintenance, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
On-Site Training Programs
On-site training gives workers practical experience. Local institutions, like the Utah Safety Council, host these sessions. Remote courses, such as the Safety Essentials course with live proctoring, allow workers to learn on schedule.
Professional Certifications
Professional certifications show that a worker has advanced skills. The Refinery Safety Technician Certificate requires nine courses on safety management and OSHA rules. Utah partnerships offer certification programs that meet industry needs. These programs help workers gain certificates that are recognized in the oil sector.
Real-Life Case Studies
Real-life examples show that training improves safety and work performance. Workers report fewer accidents and better skills after completing on-site training, supporting the value of the training programs.
Women in Refinery Operations
Women in the industry face challenges like gender bias and safety concerns. Support groups provide mentorship and share strategies. Seminars and networking events build leadership skills and technical knowledge, helping women advance in their careers.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships help students pursue careers in the oil industry. Utah offers awards that support skill development. For example, the Holly Refinery Scholarship at the University of Utah funds chemical engineering students who meet specific criteria.
Industry Partnerships and Networking
Industry partnerships improve training programs. The Utah Safety Council works with local refineries to create sessions that meet job needs. These partnerships offer networking opportunities that help workers stay updated on new trends and technologies.
Refinery Locations in Utah
Utah hosts two primary petroleum refineries that support the local energy sector. These refineries also serve as practical training sites for refinery operator training programs in Utah.
The Marathon Petroleum Refinery in Salt Lake City is the largest facility in the state. It processes about 66,000 barrels of crude oil daily and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. In North Salt Lake City, the Big West Oil Refinery is essential in local operations. Although its exact capacity is not specified, it remains a key site for on-site training and practical experience.
Below is a table summarizing key details for each refinery:
| Refinery Name | Location | Daily Capacity (BPD) | Owner/operator |
| Marathon Petroleum Refinery | Refinery Salt Lake City, UT | 66,000 | Marathon Petroleum |
| Big West Oil Refinery | Refinery North Salt Lake City, UT | Not specified | Big West Oil |
Marathon Petroleum Refinery Salt Lake City, UT 66,000 Marathon Petroleum Largest refinery in Utah processes crude oil to produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Big West Oil Refinery North Salt Lake City, UT Not specified Big West Oil Key facility for local operations; serves as a practical training site for refinery operators.
Monitoring Process Indicators and Reporting
Training programs teach workers to monitor process indicators. Workers learn to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and inspect work areas. Reporting protocols help reduce equipment failure and keep production steady.
Safety Gear and Equipment Handling
Proper use of safety gear is essential. Workers learn to use personal protective equipment, inspect equipment regularly, and report issues immediately. These practices help prevent accidents and maintain a steady workflow.
Extreme Temperature and Outdoor Facility Training
Operators work in environments with extreme temperatures. Facilities perform best between 32°F and 95°F. High temperatures can lower production by 4 to 5 percent. Training programs stress the importance of monitoring temperature and adjusting operations as needed.
Communication Skills
Clear communication is crucial in refinery operations. Workers are trained to use simple language in critical situations, update colleagues regularly, and report operational changes. Effective communication improves teamwork and ensures a safer work site.
Refinery operator training programs in Utah offer a blend of on-site training, safety courses, and specialized certifications. These programs and practical experience at local refineries prepare workers for a stable career in the oil sector. Aspiring operators gain valuable skills and real-world experience, preparing them for advancing their careers.
Job Outlook
Utah is projected to see solid growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. With a moderate workforce size and steady annual openings, the state offers consistent opportunities for both new and experienced operators.
- Employment (2022): 530 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 580 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 9%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 60
Refinery Operator Salaries in Utah
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Utah | $49.00 | $101,920 | $30.36 | $38.24 | $49.35 | $49.55 |
| Ogden, UT | $49.00 | $101,920 | $30.36 | $38.78 | $49.35 | $49.55 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $47.51 | $98,810 | $33.39 | $40.11 | $49.37 | $49.37 |
Refinery Operator Job Listings in Utah
Utah openings cluster along the Wasatch Front – North Salt Lake/Woods Cross, Salt Lake City, and Ogden – with additional demand in the Uintah Basin for midstream and gas processing. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across refineries, terminals, power, mining, and water/wastewater. Expect day and rotating shifts, safety-focused workplaces, and year-round hiring tied to the state’s growing energy and industrial footprint.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| SWING SHIFT REFINERY OPERATOR | JBS USA | Hyrum, UT | 09/25/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org.