SOC 51-8093
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ59/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ34,860
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$98K
$60K โ $113K
Projected Growth
๐-2.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค67/100
High exposure
๐ก Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers face a risk score of 59/100 โ 15 points above the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $98K ($51K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 59/100, Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 34,860 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
Generative AI producing marketing and creative copy
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Inventory management software
Spreadsheet software
Word processing software
Industrial control software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Public Safety and Security
Mechanical
Administration and Management
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 63% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 65% |
| Chemical Engineers | 30 | $122K | 63% |