SalaryNode

Average Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary in Alaska

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in Alaska command an impressive average annual salary of $104,540, substantially exceeding the national average of $91,380. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Alaska's unique economic landscape, including its rich natural resources and the logistical challenges associated with operating in a remote and demanding environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $104,540 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,070.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 professionals in this specialized field, Alaska demonstrates a significant concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 3.89 indicates that these roles are nearly four times more prevalent in Alaska than the national average, suggesting a robust and sustained demand for skilled petroleum operators within the state's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$104,540

The average Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in Alaska earns+14.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50.3

Weekly

$2,010

Monthly

$8,712

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary Distribution in Alaska

Career progression for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain specialized skills and years of service, their earning potential escalates, with senior roles commanding salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$70,990$34.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$78,405$37.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$105,380$50.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$130,675$62.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$131,070$63

Detailed Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$104,540

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$82,575

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the nominal average salary in Alaska is $104,540, the local Cost of Living Index stands at 126.6, meaning expenses are about 26.6% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the gross pay is attractive, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished by the higher cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

0.88

Per 1K Jobs

3.89

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 3.9x the national concentration of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 3.89 for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in Alaska signifies a highly concentrated market. This indicates that the job market is not only abundant with opportunities relative to the national landscape but also suggests a specialized demand that may lead to competitive hiring for experienced individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in Alaska is $104,540. This typically ranges from $70,990 for entry-level positions to $131,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 14.4% higher than the national median of $91,380.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?

Yes, Alaska is a lucrative place for these professionals.The average salary of $104,540 significantly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 3.89) points to strong demand.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Alaska's average salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in Alaska is $104,540, which is considerably higher than the national average of $91,380.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 3.89 mean for this job in Alaska?

An LQ of 3.89 means that this occupation is 3.89 times more concentrated in Alaska than in the nation as a whole, indicating a specialized and robust local job market.

How does the cost of living in Alaska affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 126.6, Alaska is more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced by higher living expenses.

Is the job market for these operators strong in Alaska?

Yes, the market appears strong, evidenced by the high concentration of these roles (LQ 3.89) and the significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.88), suggesting consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 0.88 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska