Process Technology

I am currently in school, working toward a PTEC degree. I have a few questions.

I know it varies, but, typically, what is the average starting pay, for a process technician. What does pay typically top off at, or does it top off? Are there specific pay scales, or do you receive a percentage pay raise, every year. If someone starts at $22/hr, what would they typically be making 5 years, 10 years, 20 years later?

I've seen some great salaries posted by process technicians. I've heard, on more than one occassion, of guys pulling in $90-$100K+. I'm wondering -- to pull in that kind of money, does it require constant over-time?

Just trying to get a gouge og pay. I've done research, and it all points to this being a great paying career, but most of the pay refers to starting pay, and doesn't mention expectations, beyong that. Such as, once you've been a process technician for 5-10+ years, etc.

average starting pay is 22 dollars a hour, but also oil companies pay more then chemical companies, it tops off at around 33 dollars a hour, pay raise is you usually get a raise after 6 months, then year, then two years, I made 50 grand last year and didnt work any overtime with just startng out as a operator,

operator in Destrehan, Louisiana said: average starting pay is 22 dollars a hour, but also oil companies pay more then chemical companies, it tops off at around 33 dollars a hour, pay raise is you usually get a raise after 6 months, then year, then two years, I made 50 grand last year and didnt work any overtime with just startng out as a operator,

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking forward to starting in the field. As for over-time; is overtime typically available, for those who want it? What type of schedule do you typically work?

Beau in Baytown, Texas said: The first response you got is pretty close to what the industry is like as far as pay, oil usually does pay a bit more than chemical. I work at an oil refinery in operations, last year I grossed 130K and its only my 2nd year I did work quite a bit of overtime but I didn't kill myself or anything. Overtime is typically available to those who really want to work it, some people prefer not to work more than their 40 hours. As far as the schedule goes your gonna being working shift work, 12 hour shifts are the norm for most places.

Thanks for the response. That is great for just your second year. I realize that shift work is the norm, and typically you work 12 hour shifts. How are your shifts designed? In other words, do you work 4 days, off 4 days, or some variation?

Chris in Baton Rouge, Louisiana said: Thanks for the response. That is great for just your second year. I realize that shift work is the norm, and typically you work 12 hour shifts. How are your shifts designed? In other words, do you work 4 days, off 4 days, or some variation?

Well there are many different variations of shift schedules out there 4 on 4 off being one of them. Where I work we are on 8 hour shifts, not normal I know it's a union negotiated item. I usually work 7 days 5:30 to 1:30, have two days off, 6 evenings 1:30 to 9:30 have two days off, and 7 nights 9:30 to 5:30 then long change, long change lasts from friday morning then return to work wednesday morning. It sounds like you are working alot but it's only 8 hour shifts. Plus we get pyramid pay, if you work two overtime shifts during the week then sunday is automatically double time pay. Any time you are called out ahead of shift you get time and a half for both shifts, any holiday you work is double time and a half. As far as 12 hour shifts go I know 4 on 4 off and the Dupont schedule is very popular.

operator in Destrehan, Louisiana said: average starting pay is 22 dollars a hour, but also oil companies pay more then chemical companies, it tops off at around 33 dollars a hour, pay raise is you usually get a raise after 6 months, then year, then two years, I made 50 grand last year and didnt work any overtime with just startng out as a operator,[/QUO

I plan to go to school at nunez for process tech. can you tell me more about jobs? I heard that it kind of dangerous when work in oil plant. it might have some explores. can you tell me more about the salary and is process tech easy to apply job without any experience. Thanks

Starting pay is typically $23/hr where I am...top pay is $34 and chief pay (head of unit) is $36/hr. I work a 2-3-2 schedule and overtime is common if you want it. This is my 3rd year and by the end of May I had made $57k. I'm guessing I will make $130-135 this year. I had no experience or special training prior to the position, however I did have an Associates degree and 5yrs in the Navy. I'm sure that helped.

The shifts at my plant are 7 12s Days
7 off then 7 12s Nights. Starting wage around 20 per hr with 3 raises your first year then 2 raises each year for the next 4 years, Yearly bonuses around 6k plus health insurance,a crazy 6 weeks sick leave @ 100% pay starting your first year (which I have never used any of in 4 years) 401k matching 100% of 9% and pension plan. Holidays are double time and a half, call out with less than 24 hrs notice are time and a half 4 hour min. First year including benifits expect around 80k. I worked 600 hours of ot last year (which is avg. of 2 extra days a week) that boosted me up another 20k (now that iI have been here 4 years total salary of arounk 90k + any ot wou decide to work)

Hi. I am trying to determine how working a 14/7 schedule with 12 hour shifts would pay. Is it overtime(time & a half) at the 40 hour mark? That can't be, I think, because: using $20/hr. 7 days at 12 hr on each shift would be 84 hrs. That would make 40 regular and 44 OT. That can't be right? I have worked oil rigs with that schedule but it was LONG ago. I am in Louisiana, if that makes a difference. Can't seem to find the answer. Would someone please let me know how to figure this? Thanks

joembrown,
Im not sure what u are referring to when you say 14/7. But where i work, we get 84 straight time hours in 2 weeks. it was negotiated through the union that we work all 84 on straight time. Hope that helped.

stooie in Nederland, Texas said: joembrown,
Im not sure what u are referring to when you say 14/7. But where i work, we get 84 straight time hours in 2 weeks. it was negotiated through the union that we work all 84 on straight time. Hope that helped.

thanks. that is exactly what I had thought. needed a second opinion. I appreciate it.

It's REALLY hard to get an operators job here in Houston , you have to KNOW someone , I would love to make this career change, but really don't have any connections , thinking about going back to school !!

I will be entering the San Jacinto College Process Tech Certificate program in January. I was told By Michael Speegle (runs the program) that jobs are scarce right now in the Houston area, but should pick up over the next 3 - 4 years because of retirement. Has anyone gotten an operator job with just the certificate, or do I need the associates degree?

I have 18 years in refineries as a contractor doing catalyst change-out, not process, but I'm hoping that, with the certificate will get me in somewhere. Bcorley, you have no experience in refineries, or just no process experience?

syrinx2012 in Houston, Texas said: I have 18 years in refineries as a contractor doing catalyst change-out, not process, but I'm hoping that, with the certificate will get me in somewhere. Bcorley, you have no experience in refineries, or just no process experience?

No plant experience at all. I'm 23 so I've just had a job at a credit union through college. But like I said I have the operations degree.

If the economy ever recovers, there will be jobs out the wazoo. There are many operators that want to retire, but can't in this economy. When it recovers, there should be plenty of openings.

Thanks. I sure hope so. I've considered going back to school for other things but I really want to be an operator. And I know as soon as I go back to school, jobs will open up everywhere. It just feels like in sitting here with my hands tied. I know I'm not alone though. The economy is affecting everyone.

bcorley said: Thanks. I sure hope so. I've considered going back to school for other things but I really want to be an operator. And I know as soon as I go back to school, jobs will open up everywhere. It just feels like in sitting here with my hands tied. I know I'm not alone though. The economy is affecting everyone.

I know exactly what you are througt bcorley I was thinking about going back to school but I really want to be a operator. I also have the Associate degree in ptech and having a hard time finding a job. When I graduated in May 2007 I had no problem finding a job. Their were lots of places hiring operators. I did land a operator job but unfortunately I was laid off. It is real competitive for these jobs right now.I think the economy is going to get better soon. You just have think positive and remain confident. I hoping to land another operator job soon after the new year.

I did an internship offshore with Shell, but no one was hired due to "economic conditions". This was back in April and still have not been able to land an operator job either offshore or here in town with any company.

I heard a few people say that it should pick up after the new year. Honestly, I stll feel that operator jobs will continue to be scarce. The fact that operators are not retiring, combined with the back up of recent graduates plus the new and upcoming graduates in PTEC, will continue to make operator positions harder to land.

A friend of mine who works with Exxon has said that there is alot of talk from management that if the Climate Bill gets passed next year, that there could a negative impact on jobs. I hate to throw politics in the mix, but its a fact that what happens in D.C. affects what happens in this industry.

I think the best option would be to continue going to school during this time to learn other specialties, to become a more valuable asset. We just have to keep trying. Good luck out there people.

WaKaMolay in Houston, Texas said: I did an internship offshore with Shell, but no one was hired due to "economic conditions". This was back in April and still have not been able to land an operator job either offshore or here in town with any company.

I heard a few people say that it should pick up after the new year. Honestly, I stll feel that operator jobs will continue to be scarce. The fact that operators are not retiring, combined with the back up of recent graduates plus the new and upcoming graduates in PTEC, will continue to make operator positions harder to land.

A friend of mine who works with Exxon has said that there is alot of talk from management that if the Climate Bill gets passed next year, that there could a negative impact on jobs. I hate to throw politics in the mix, but its a fact that what happens in D.C. affects what happens in this industry.

I think the best option would be to continue going to school during this time to learn other specialties, to become a more valuable asset. We just have to keep trying. Good luck out there people.

Technology has reduced the number of operators required to run a unit.A few years ago the big plants had several control rooms with an opoerator in each control room and several outside operators. Now they have one central control room with one operator controlling several units. The biggest demand now is in safety and environmental field. SanJacinto college and Lamar both have excellent programs in the HSE field.Also instrument & electrical techs are in demand.

How is the pay in those fields?

You are absolutely correct Old Timer. I have heard the same thing. Some companies are already requiring Instrumentation Techs to know Electrical and vice versa. I have also been told that soon, more and more places will contract mechanical trades.

As far as pay in those fields, I have heard that they get the same hourly rate as operators. If they happen to work for a contractor though, they can be paid considerably more per hour.

operator in Destrehan, Louisiana said: average starting pay is 22 dollars a hour, but also oil companies pay more then chemical companies, it tops off at around 33 dollars a hour, pay raise is you usually get a raise after 6 months, then year, then two years, I made 50 grand last year and didnt work any overtime with just startng out as a operator,

can seem to get a job without experience ant tips would help thanks

jim in Beaumont, Texas said: can seem to get a job without experience ant tips would help thanks

I understand.. do you have the process degree? I graduated in may and no luck so far.. I'm in nederland so I'm in the same boat you are.. Best advice I can give is to apply every chance you get.. most of my applications and testing were for Houston companies.. The golden triangle is hurting right now... Especially with all the cutbacks on expansions but motiva is still full speed ahead with there's so hopefully it will turn around this year and some more people will retire that couldn't in 08 and 09

jim in Beaumont, Texas said: can seem to get a job without experience ant tips would help thanks

Tip for interview? Tell them this......

Interviewer: "Do you have any experience?"

You: "No, sir, I have no experience but I'm a big fan of money. I like it, I use it, I have a little. I keep it in a jar on top of my refrigerator. I'd like to put more in that jar. That's where you come in.

There are jobs, but I will tell you guys companies or big places want experience. I first start was being an Intern. I used that experience to land two jobs. I've been at my job for 2 years. Next week I start at Exxon. My advice is apply for any and other jobs. Don't be an idiot to turn down a 13 dollar operations jobs.

WaKaMolay in Houston, Texas said: Tip for interview? Tell them this......

Interviewer: "Do you have any experience?"

You: "No, sir, I have no experience but I'm a big fan of money. I like it, I use it, I have a little. I keep it in a jar on top of my refrigerator. I'd like to put more in that jar. That's where you come in.

lol your funny!! how mechanically inclined do you need to be to become a process tech? I'm debating over process tech and environmental,safefty technician. I'll have to progressively learn algebra though I had a class made an 87% in it but I dont feel as though I learned enough. This economy seems to be hurting us all unfort. I'm female would that hurt or help me to land a job? Have a great weekend everyone

The first day of my Process tech classes, one of the instructors said "2 people in this classroom will be able to get a operator job right away" There were 2 females in the room...

whoa that is awesome!! the career sounds like a good fit although I'll have to self teach myself chemistry and physics. I really need a great career and a career that will pay well. I plan on helping my parents out as much as possible. I am currently working a full time job and a part time job in order to help my mom out because she has lost alot of money in these past couple years due to the recession but still with two low paying jobs it's incredibly hard to do. Thank you for replying back to me :) I really appreciate it.

You dont have to be mechanicall inclined, although it helps alot. All you need is the "desire" to learn. Virtually any skill can be learned.

I think being a female and a minority in this industry is a very strong advantage. Many of these companies are diversifying their work force. I personally want to get hired due to my education, skills, and personality and not my race.

WaKaMolay in Houston, Texas said: You dont have to be mechanicall inclined, although it helps alot. All you need is the "desire" to learn. Virtually any skill can be learned.

I think being a female and a minority in this industry is a very strong advantage. Many of these companies are diversifying their work force. I personally want to get hired due to my education, skills, and personality and not my race.

I agree. But as a female I also know how hard it is to "qualify" for a job even with the right credentials if and when you are working with mostly men. unfort. the college I was looking into was in Kilgore Texas I saw the KC and mistook it for Kansas City which is where I live. Thank You for the reply though :)

WaKaMolay in Houston, Texas said: All you need is the "desire" to learn. Virtually any skill can be learned.

I think being a female and a minority in this industry is a very strong advantage. Many of these companies are diversifying their work force. I personally want to get hired due to my education, skills, and personality and not my race.

I'm not sure if I should be offended by your statement or feel sorry for you. I am a black female PTEC graduate. I finished with a gpa of 3.9, and thats because I worked my butt off to learn and demonstrate the same skills(maybe better) as my male classmates. Thankfully, I've landed a job with Exxon. I strongly believe it was because of my unique qualities, and the fact they saw I would be a valuable asset to the company, that I was hired. and not the fact that I'm a double minority.Perhaps its not workforce diversity as you put it, instead the company wanting the best man or in my case woman for job

Congratulations. I really hope that you were indeed hired due to your academic qualifications and a strong work ethic versus your gender or color.I really feel for the most part, the majority of the people these big companies hire are due to the academic qualifications and the great attitudes that the applicants exude. The fact is though, that these companies must prove to the government that they seek to employ a diversified workforce.This means that there is bound to be some applicants who may be hired on due to their race or gender. This may be dependant on wheather or not the company in question is lacking in a cetain catagory of employees based on gender or race.What do you think the EEOC survey is about when filling out an application?
An example would be a plant or refinery that has too many employees of one race or gender.They may start to seek to hire more minorities. "How is this possible" one may ask? Well, it could very well be the luck of the draw. If there were more whites than minorities who graduated from the PTEC program, there will most likely be more whites than minorities applying to a particular plant or refinery the year of graduation. If this were to happen during two or more consecutive hirings, then eventually someone in HR of one of these companies would have to point out and say"hey, we are beginning to lack diversity in our workforce." They would have to begin to "diversify" to minimize the chances of lawsuits being filed against them by a bitter applicant who was denied because he thought that he(or she) was not hired due to their ethnicity or gender.A friend who is in HR of one of the well know companies has confirmed that this happens very often. I have also seen two females who graduated with me get hired on over more qualified applicants. I mean, these two girls could not troubleshoot their way out of a locked car.

www.hr411.com/legal-updates/?lu=69770&lus=

Look at it this way. Exxon is showing they have a diverse workforce by hiring you. They also got a well qualified, sharp individual they are proud to have. They got the ideal employee. But, affirmative action and equal opportunity hiring (quotas)is a fact of life. Sometimes they don't get the whole package as they did with you, but still need to be diverse. More qualified candidates are sometimes passed over.

monielove in Beaumont, Texas said: I'm not sure if I should be offended by your statement or feel sorry for you. I am a black female PTEC graduate. I finished with a gpa of 3.9, and thats because I worked my butt off to learn and demonstrate the same skills(maybe better) as my male classmates. Thankfully, I've landed a job with Exxon. I strongly believe it was because of my unique qualities, and the fact they saw I would be a valuable asset to the company, that I was hired. and not the fact that I'm a double minority.Perhaps its not workforce diversity as you put it, instead the company wanting the best man or in my case woman for job

Actually, Exxon has a specific criteria they hire on everytime they do hire Operators and Maintenance staff and even Engineers. Before anyone shows up they have listed that they will hire out of 15 people 8 whites, 4 hispanic, and 3 black. This is just an example but TRUST ME this is the way it is. I KNOW.

Well good luck to ya. I've had my degree since 2003 and whenever I did land a job at a plant, I think I was the only one there with a degree. I really want and NEED a better job.

Will be finishing my degree in the spring of next year..I will apply for those that I can but will not hold my breath..wasn't the long term goal anyway..Being in a unique position where I won't starve..I will tranfer to UofH clearlake and continue on my BA in Petroleum Eng. Thats where the cash is...well until we run out of oil...lol

I have heard in most cases that plants look for people with a PTEC and operations experience first, then people with a PTEC degree with no operations experience but with some kind of plant experience. After that, its people with a PTEC degree with no plant experience at all followed be people without a degree. If you have a PTEC degree but can't land a job due to lack of qualifications, try interning with a company to get some kind of experience. I have had several friends get hired on with a company right out of their internships. Also, if internships aren't available, do some plant contract work. You can network while you work for a contractor and get some plant experience. Well good luck!

With anything experience is a factor, However the degree is claimed to give a entry lvl operator the equivelent of 3 years on the job experience...of course this is just theory, and nothing I feel is better than hands on.

I agree it will be tough for a person with no plant experience to compete with someone who does. But on the same hand alot of people I know started as contractors in plant/refineries..usually how most are introduced to the idea of becoming a operator.

My opinion is they like to see you are familiar with plant equipment,plant routine,permit processes and above all safety regulations. (Remember a hefty part of your wage is hazardous pay)

Then I have heard the exact oposite about plants hiring experience over degree. This usually falls in the area of where a operator with no degree has been laid off and looking for another operations position. To my knowledge, plants dont like hiring other plant operators,.. the way it was explained to me is they like to train a certain way, and this usually conflicts with past experience and methods...

Then again I heard to much..loool

You can make as money as you want as long as there is overtime. My 1st year in the business I made 88k and I hardly worked. The more you work the more you make. Its not hard to make 100k ,but you'll never be off from work.

Does anyone has any insight about offshore process operator jobs,pay etc.?

Besides liking the money,do any process operators hate the erattic work schedules rotating from nights and days?Are there any PTEC jobs where you work only days or only nights?

Im in school for my ptech degree. I go to ITI tech in Baton Rouge La and My school is the top Ptech school in the nation all our teacher are retired operators and engineers and jobs are plentiful here If you keep a good atendance record and can keep a 3.0 or better your pretty much have a job. Every guy that finished befor me that had good school atendance and had a good GPA had a job befor they graduated they do mock interviews for you and everything as many as u want and the people who give the mock interviews are all people who do the interviews at the local plants in my area like from dow, exxon, air products, shell, valero, marathon, and ect.Dow usualy picks up alot of our people.

how much do the unit operations engineer make compared to the process operator?

i am 45 years old female and would like a career change in this industry as a process operator...is it too late for me at my age of getting hired..rumor they only hire young for the long haul...please experience process operators give me some feedback...want to start in spring for certificate.

m57 it all depends on you and how you present yourself. age has nothing to do with getting hired. also forget getting the certificate you need the degree if you don't have experience. no one hires with just the certificate. also look into getting an internship somewhere.

I beg to differ. Of course most plants would prefer the degree over the certificate, but the certificate is enough for some plants. I know several fellow students that were hired recently with just the certificate and no experience (actually they don't have it until December). If you can get the degree, get it. If you can only get the certificate, then get that. There are going to be many openings in the next few years as many operators have reached retirement age and are ready to retire, but can't because of the economy. But then again, who knows when that will improve?

Operator82 a degree is not necessary although it surely wouldn't hurt your chances. I only have a certificate and hired in with "zero" experience to a very large well known refining and chemical company, so that kinda blows the whole degree theory out the window. I have seen several "new hires" come in to our refinery that are around your age m57, operator82 is right about "it's all in how you present yourself."

Maybe for some.

@wbray the chemical company that I used to work for when I hired in had all experienced new hires. The ones who didn't have experience all had the Process Degree even the guy whose dad worked there. The company I work at now which is a major oil company everyone had degrees. Either 4 years or 2 year process degrees. I'd advise anyone to get the degree. All the companies I've worked for pay at the top of the salary range and where everyone wants to be.