Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Wisconsin
This guide explains Wisconsin training programs for refinery operators, outlines what you will learn, and explains how to enroll. Local refineries, such as Superior Refining Company LLC in Superior, offer opportunities for practical experience.
Refinery operator training programs in Wisconsin teach safety, practical skills, and theory. They help students work safely in refineries and respond to emergencies. Many programs include online courses, internships, and live events. The job market is strong because retirements create new openings.
Required Skills and Qualifications
At Superior (Cenovus), typical minimums include a HS/GED, valid driver’s license, ability to pass pre‑employment testing/drug/medical screens, and readiness for rotating shifts and outdoor work; postings favor mechanical aptitude and prior industrial/process experience or technical coursework.
Mid‑State Technical College – Automation & Instrumentation Technology (A.A.S.)
- Address: 500 32nd Street NorthWisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
- Tel: 715 422 5300
- Tuition fee: $10,211 (tuition & fees, program total)
Two‑year, in‑person associate degree that develops the skills to measure and control industrial processes – from designing and installing control systems to calibrating, troubleshooting, and repairing the instrumentation plants rely on every day. Training runs at the AMETA™ Center in Stevens Point.
Program highlights
- Format & pace: In‑person, daytime schedule; full‑time or part‑time options; two years / 60 credits with Fall or Spring start dates.
- What you’ll learn: Apply math and physics to design, install, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial control systems using a range of instrumentation.
- Hands‑on learning: Access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment plus field trips and summer internships at facilities where process control systems drive operations.
- Core sequence: Instrumentation Principles; Process Equipment; Process Measurements & Control Strategies; PLCs (Beginning/Advanced); Industrial Networking; HMI & Robotics; Process Troubleshooting; Process Systems.
- Career paths: Instrument Technician, Process Control Technician, PLC Technician, Electrical & Instrumentation Technician.
Milwaukee Area Technical College – Power Engineering and Boiler Operator (Technical Diploma)
- Address: 700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States
- Tel: +1 414-297-6282
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $175.90/credit
- Non-resident: $252.33/credit
On‑campus training at Oak Creek that teaches how to operate and control low‑ and high‑pressure boilers and auxiliary systems, while building the electrical, instrumentation, and maintenance skills that keep large facilities running safely and efficiently.
Program highlights
- Delivery & credential: In‑person Technical Diploma; August/January start dates.
- Curriculum focus (19 credits): Low‑ and High‑Pressure Boilers, Boiler Operation, Instrumentation & Controls (3 cr.), Electricity for Power Engineering, Blueprint Reading for Power Engineering, Plant Maintenance & HVAC Basics, Math for Power Engineers, and communication coursework.
- Outcomes: Follow industry safety standards, operate power‑engineering equipment, perform water‑treatment tests, and operate building controls.
- Stackable path: Earn the Boiler Operator certificate on the way to completing the diploma.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t need a program explicitly named “refinery operations” to get into the industry. Related technical programs can give you the same foundational skills refineries require – control systems, equipment logic, process monitoring, and safety procedures.
In Wisconsin, pathways such as Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance are available. These programs help you learn how to monitor systems, troubleshoot equipment, understand control logic, and maintain safe operations – setting you up to step into entry-level operator roles and grow from there.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Wisconsin
Here’s a simple, student‑focused snapshot for Mid‑State Technical College (MSTC) in central Wisconsin. MSTC has four campuses (Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point Downtown, Marshfield, and Adams). Housing is mostly off‑campus, with two supported options: UW‑Stevens Point residence halls (for MSTC students in Stevens Point) and The Villas at Marshfield near the Marshfield campus. MSTC+1
- Wisconsin Rapids campus (Wisconsin Rapids)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$753/month. Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered by MSTC.
- Stevens Point Downtown campus (Stevens Point)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$900/month. Apartments.com
- On‑campus (via UW‑Stevens Point residence halls): ~$3,500–$4,150 per semester (includes meal plan & campus residential services). MSTC
- Marshfield campus (Marshfield)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$813/month. Apartments.com
- On‑campus–style (The Villas at Marshfield): ~$499 per person per month (furnished; utilities, internet, parking included). MSTC
- Adams campus (Adams)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$687/month. Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered by MSTC.
Additional cost considerations
If you’ll rent off campus near an MSTC site, plan for utilities, getting to and from class, and everyday supplies. Numbers below use state/city sources and stay easy to scan.
Utilities
Typical monthly amounts students set aside in central Wisconsin rentals (many leases bill these separately):
- Electricity: ~$111/month – Wisconsin’s average residential electric bill (EIA, 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): ~$77/month – Wisconsin statewide benchmark (Forbes figure cited by Unbiased). Unbiased
- Water & sewer: Plan ~$50/month – local utility schedules show a fixed charge plus usage; e.g., Marshfield Wastewater (2025): $18.90 fixed + $4.26 per 100 cu ft, Marshfield Water rates (effective 5/1/2025), and Stevens Point sewer minimums. Your bill depends on your meter/usage and city. City of Marshfield+2http://marshfieldutilities.org/+2
- Home internet: ~$50/month – Spectrum “Internet Premier” (up to 500 Mbps) widely available in the MSTC area. Spectrum+1
Transport and commute costs
- Stevens Point Transit (City Bus): $25 monthly pass (unlimited rides). Single rides: $1.25 adults; MSTC students $0.65 with student fare. Stevens Point
- Wisconsin Rapids Public Transit (shared‑ride taxi): $2.75 student / $3.50 adult per one‑way ride inside the city; mileage fee applies beyond city limits. Running Inc.
- Fuel (if you drive): WI regular gas ~$2.90–$2.92/gal (AAA statewide average snapshots). AAA Fuel Prices+1
- Parking: MSTC campus lots allow unrestricted student parking (no student permit fee listed). If you live/park in Stevens Point city lots near downtown/UWSP, long‑term city permits are $25/month. MSTC+1
Food and supplies
- Groceries: ~$348/month – MIT Living Wage “Food” for Wood County (Wisconsin Rapids area), updated Feb 10, 2025. (Portage/Marathon counties are similar.) Living Wage Calculator
- Personal supplies & toiletries; small household items: MIT’s “Other” essentials category is $4,112/year in Wood County (≈ monthly $342). In the budget below, this is split into Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous so it’s easier to see. Living Wage Calculator
Sample Monthly Budget
A straightforward example for a student at MSTC–Wisconsin Rapids renting a 1‑bedroom nearby. Figures mirror the sources above (no calculation steps shown).
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $753 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $288 |
| Groceries | $348 |
| Transport costs | $40 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $160 |
| Miscellaneous | $62 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,771 |
Skills for Success
- Math and Chemistry: Basic math and chemistry skills help students manage chemical blends and understand refining processes.
- Computer Skills: Students learn to use software to monitor refinery functions and follow technical instructions.
- Communication: Good communication skills help operators adjust processes and work with teams.
Industry Events
National Apprenticeship Week
- Live Webinars and Workshops: Students join webinars and workshops with employers during this annual virtual event.
- Networking: Participants build connections and learn about the industry.
- Skill Building: The event offers workshops and guidance to improve job skills.
Job Market and Career Prospects
- Strong Demand: Retirements create openings for new operators.
- Competitive Start: Entry-level jobs offer competitive pay and growth potential.
- Internship Benefits: Hands-on experience from internships boosts job readiness and employment opportunities.
Wisconsin is projected to see steady growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Although the workforce is relatively small, the percentage increase and consistent annual openings make this a state with stable opportunities.
- Employment (2022): 120 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 130 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 8%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 10
Refinery Operator Salaries in Wisconsin
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Wisconsin | $39.94 | $83,070 | $33.24 | $38.13 | $47.57 | $50.17 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $51.13 | $106,360 | $40.48 | $47.88 | $51.14 | $51.14 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $47.46 | $98,720 | $36.86 | $47.46 | $59.92 | $61.04 |
Find Refinery Operator Job Listings in Wisconsin
Wisconsin openings stretch from Superior (refinery/port terminals) and Green Bay–Fox Valley paper & packaging plants to Milwaukee and Madison manufacturing, utilities, and water/wastewater. 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 day and rotating shifts with steady demand for safety-minded techs keeping mills, terminals, and power/CHP sites running statewide.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Oil Terminal Technician | CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT | Milwaukee, WI | 09/20/2025 |
| Oil Terminal Technician | NORTHEAST ASPHALT INC | Milwaukee, WI | 08/27/2025 |
| Oil Terminal Technician 2 | CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT | Milwaukee, WI | 07/18/2025 |
Please note: The above mentioned job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. please see CareerOneStop.org, for more accurate information.
Support and Guidance
- Academic Advising: Advisors help students choose classes and plan their careers.
- Extra Support: First-generation students receive additional help.
- Career Services: Schools offer resume advice and job placement assistance.
- Wellness Services: Counseling and emergency care support student well-being.
Local Refineries in Wisconsin
Superior Refining Company LLC, located in Superior, Wisconsin, is a key local refinery. The U.S. Energy Atlas lists this facility with a capacity of 50 units as of January 1, 2024. This refinery shows Wisconsin has an active oil refining industry – hands-on internships at local refineries like this help students gain practical experience.
Student Experiences
Past students say the training programs helped them gain essential skills and confidence. One student noted that the courses covered safety and process control well. Another praised the support staff for helping with course choices and payment plans.
Refinery operator training programs in Wisconsin give students a strong foundation in oil refinery operations. They cover essential topics, offer practical experience, and prepare students for promising job opportunities. If you want a career as a refinery operator, explore these programs. They provide the skills, support, and experience you need for success.