Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Wyoming
Wyoming offers training programs for refinery operators. These programs mix classroom lessons with hands-on work. The state works with local energy companies and community colleges to provide explicit, practical instruction.
One key facility is Wyoming Refining Co. in Newcastle. This refinery is an accurate work site where students can apply what they learn. The stable energy market in Wyoming offers many entry-level jobs and opportunities for career growth.
Overview of Training Programs
Training in Wyoming combines theory with practical work. Students learn production processes and safety rules. They also learn to use computer systems to control operations. New operators spend three to five years learning the skills needed.
Western Wyoming Community College – Plant Operations (A.A.S. & Certificate)
- Address: 2500 College Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82901, United States
- Tel: +1 307-382-1600
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $105/credit
- Non-resident: $367/credit
Train to run, monitor, and maintain the complex mechanical systems used in manufacturing and processing plants. Hands‑on labs and scientific fundamentals build the troubleshooting and safety mindset that entry‑level operators use on shift across southwest Wyoming industries – including soda ash, fertilizer, natural gas processing, wastewater, and chemical refining.
Program highlights
- Credentials available: Plant Operators A.A.S. and a Plant Operations Certificate.
- What you’ll practice: Operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment; applying industry‑standard safety practices; communicating with technical vocabulary; and resolving abnormal conditions through systematic troubleshooting.
- Where the skills apply: Process‑driven plants in sectors such as soda ash, fertilizer, natural gas processing, wastewater treatment, and chemical refining
Casper College – Electronics Technology (A.A.S.)
- Address: 125 College Dr, Casper, WY 82601, United States
- Tel: +1 307-268-2424
- Tuition fee:
- In-state: $147/credit
- Out-of-state: $357/credit
Develop the control‑systems skill set used in modern process operations. The A.A.S. program emphasizes hands‑on experience for roles in process control systems, industrial networking, and automation – preparing graduates for technician paths that support plant operations.
Program highlights
- Focus areas: Work directly with PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens), motor drives, sensors, fiber optics, wireless/control networking, and microcontrollers.
- Career alignment: Listed outcomes include Instrumentation Technician and other technician roles tied to plant controls and automation.
- Degree note: Electronics Technology A.A.S. with transfer options to continue in electronics engineering technology.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a program called refinery operations to get started. Technical training in related areas can teach core skills like system control, equipment logic, process monitoring, and safety that refineries depend on every day.
In Wyoming, the common routes into refinery work include Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance programs. These paths help you build hands-on competence in control systems, troubleshooting, systems operations, and safe practices – skills that position you for entry-level operator roles and give you room to grow into control room or leadership roles over time.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Wyoming
Here’s a simple, student‑focused snapshot for Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) in Rock Springs, Wyoming. WWCC offers several on‑campus residence options; many students also rent nearby in Rock Springs. Western Wyoming Community College
- Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs, WY)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$798/month (Rock Springs 1‑BR average). Apartments.com
- On‑campus (2025–26, per semester): Ground‑Level Suite $1,660 (double); Rocky Mountain Semi‑Private $1,900 (double); 2‑Bedroom Apt $1,945 (double); 1‑Bedroom Apt $2,310 (double); Private‑Bedroom Apt $2,860 (single). Singles range $3,320–$4,620/semester. Meal plans: Plan A $1,931, Plan B $1,803, Plan C $867 per semester (requirements vary by room type/earned credits). Western Wyoming Community College+2Western Wyoming Community College+2
Additional cost considerations
If you’ll rent off campus near WWCC, plan for utilities, getting to campus or work, and day‑to‑day essentials. Figures below use local/state sources and stay easy to scan.
Utilities
Most Rock Springs leases bill these separately.
- Electricity: about $99/month – Wyoming’s average residential electric bill (EIA, 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): ~$43/month – statewide average benchmark. Actual bills swing by season. SoFi
- Water & sewer (Rock Springs): minimum $36.43/month for a standard 5/8″ meter (0–268 cf); usage above that is billed by tier. Revize
- Home internet: entry plans commonly $30–$50/month (Spectrum: 100 Mbps $30, 500 Mbps $50). Spectrum+1
Transport and commute costs
- Local transit (STAR Transit, Sweetwater County): Stop‑to‑Stop $1 per ride; Door‑to‑Door monthly pass $75 (single rides $2). Wsimg
- If you drive: Wyoming regular gas ~$3.12/gal (AAA statewide average). AAA Fuel Prices
- Parking at WWCC: free (students register vehicles; housing stickers are free). Western Wyoming Community College+1
Food and supplies
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Sweetwater County gives clean monthly anchors for one adult:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$4,108/year → plan ~$342/month. Living Wage Calculator
- “Other” necessities (personal care items, small household goods, phone/broadband share, etc.): ~$4,749/year → ~$396/month. In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous to keep it simple. Living Wage Calculator
Sample Monthly Budget
Example for a WWCC student renting a 1‑bedroom in Rock Springs and mostly using STAR Transit. Sources are shown on each line; calculation steps are intentionally omitted.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $798 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $230 |
| Groceries | $342 |
| Transport costs | $30 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $140 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $180 |
| Miscellaneous | $76 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,800 |
Partnerships with Local Refineries
Wyoming training programs work closely with local oil companies. They arrange internships and work placements that link classroom study with real work sites. For example, Wyoming Refining Co in Newcastle directly exposes students to refinery operations. These connections help students gain practical experience and boost their job prospects.
Curriculum Focus: Production and Safety
Courses cover production management and safety practices. Students learn how to operate equipment and follow clear safety rules. The curriculum includes lessons on system operations and data monitoring to help avoid errors on the job.
System Operations and Monitoring
Students learn to use computer software that controls refinery processes. They study accurate data and work through case studies that show common problems. This training bridges the gap between theory and real-world application.
Occupational Safety and Best Practices
Training includes guidelines from safety councils. Students learn how to handle emergencies and manage hazardous materials. Clear instructions help protect both workers and equipment.
Career Pathways
Graduates can work at oil refineries, power plants, and other energy facilities. They usually start in entry-level roles as operators or technicians. With experience, they can move into higher positions.
Entry-Level Employment Opportunities
New operators earn between $13 and $20 per hour. With experience, wages can increase to between $18 and $35 per hour. These roles offer stable work and good benefits.
Discover Refinery Operator Job Listings in Wyoming
Wyoming openings cluster around Casper, Sinclair/Rawlins, Rock Springs–Green River, and Gillette, spanning refineries, fuel terminals, gas processing, trona/soda ash, power, and water/wastewater. Not every posting is a refinery-operator job – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation in 24/7 facilities. Expect rotating and day shifts, strong safety culture, and roles that value cold-weather readiness.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Pipeline Operator – Intermediate | ONEOK, Inc | Glenrock, WY | 09/30/2025 |
| Control Panel Specialist | Elwood Staffing | Cheyenne, WY | 08/27/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org
Advancement Opportunities
Trained operators can progress to supervisory roles and beyond. Wyoming faces a shortage of skilled technical workers, which helps speed up career growth.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
A high school diploma or equivalent is the essential requirement. Training improves technical skills, safety knowledge, and the ability to solve problems quickly. Good keyboarding and computer skills are also important.
Experienced Instructors
Teachers bring real-world examples to the classroom, update lessons with current industry practices, and use their direct experience to help students learn practical techniques.
Job Market in Wyoming
Wyoming is projected to see a slight decline in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Despite the decrease, steady annual openings will ensure ongoing opportunities, particularly from retirements and workforce turnover.
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 50
- Employment (2022): 510 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 500 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): -2%
Refinery Operator Salaries in Wyoming
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Wyoming | $46.38 | $96,470 | $32.14 | $40.18 | $52.58 | $53.15 |
| Casper, WY | $40.18 | $83,580 | $30.70 | $39.06 | $48.04 | $51.12 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $40.64 | $84,530 | $30.19 | $35.81 | $51.46 | $51.46 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $47.51 | $98,810 | $33.39 | $40.11 | $49.37 | $49.37 |