Wages vary by the operator's level of experience and training. Some operators are members of a union. Union workers tend to be paid more than non-union workers.
Many employers offer benefits to full-time gas and oil plant operators. Benefits may include health, dental, and retirement plans. They may also include vacation and sick leave. Some major oil companies offer cash bonuses and profit-sharing plans.
Gas plant operators (SOC 51-8092)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$31.04 |
$40.51 |
$48.91 |
| Yearly |
$64,579 |
$84,258 |
$101,734 |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
Hourly |
$27.55 |
$38.71 |
$46.81 |
| Yearly |
$57,314 |
$80,508 |
$97,361 |
| Cook County |
Hourly |
$30.30 |
$38.95 |
$47.22 |
| Yearly |
$63,029 |
$81,029 |
$98,216 |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
Hourly |
$31.30 |
$32.56 |
$46.81 |
| Yearly |
$65,100 |
$67,732 |
$97,372 |
| Springfield Area |
Hourly |
$23.32 |
$23.32 |
$36.16 |
| Yearly |
$48,494 |
$48,494 |
$75,225 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$31.85 |
$39.69 |
$47.68 |
| Yearly |
$66,250 |
$82,560 |
$99,180 |
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers (SOC 51-8093)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$49.65 |
$54.21 |
$58.45 |
| Yearly |
$103,269 |
$112,768 |
$121,577 |
| Cook County |
Hourly |
$58.44 |
$58.44 |
$58.44 |
| Yearly |
$121,555 |
$121,555 |
$121,555 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$36.60 |
$45.47 |
$49.24 |
| Yearly |
$76,130 |
$94,580 |
$102,410 |