Petroleum refining involves processing crude oil at the molecular level into a myriad of marketable end-products and by-products, including gasoline, lubricants, jet fuel, and a wide variety of chemical compounds used in making plastics, nylon, tar, asphalt, and other materials.
There are 145 refineries in the United States processing approximately 17 million barrels of oil per day. Many more refineries exist worldwide both in industrialized and developing nations. Petroleum refineries command billions in revenue and offer a wide range of jobs for both college graduates and non-graduates, ranging from chemical engineers and computer professionals to pipefitters and welders. Salaries for refinery jobs are always competitively high and the benefits offered typically include the following:
Eligibility for most benefits usually begins on the first day of work. Refineries also offer robust relocation packages whenever necessary, absorbing the cost for travel and lodging. Per Diem pay is common at many refineries on a weekly basis as needed for the position.