Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Machines can already do 30% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 68%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 30% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 4% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 68% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 33,160 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $96,710 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Board Operator, Crude Unit Operator, Gauger, Hydrotreater Operator.
- Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems | 15% | 30% to 75% | |
| Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules | 13% | 40% to 80% | |
| Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations | 8% | 30% to 75% | |
| Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses | 6% | 85% to 97% | |
| Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures | 5% | 25% to 55% | |
| Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers use most, most used first.
Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace
How much petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.
- Go-to problem solver6/10
- Trust and reliability7/10
- Know-how about the organisation8/10
- Network and relationships2/10
- Mentoring and developing others2/10
- Culture and morale3/10
- Initiative beyond the role2/10
- Calm in a crisis4/10
- Bridge between teams4/10
- Reputation and influence2/10
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders66% of tasks by 2035 · US median $41,330
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas66% of tasks by 2035 · US median $60,190
- Logging Equipment Operators60% of tasks by 2035 · US median $49,740
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic62% of tasks by 2035 · US median $49,030
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers?
Machines can do 30% of the tasks of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers today and 68% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-8093.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/petroleum-pump-system-operators-refinery-operators-and-gaugers/