Oil Refinery Jobs in USA for Foreigners

Explore Oil Refinery Jobs in USA for Foreigners. Learn about salaries, visa sponsorship, top employers, and how to apply for refinery careers in 2026. The United States is home to some of the largest oil refineries globally, with Texas, Louisiana, and California leading production. For skilled foreign workers, oil refinery jobs in the USA offer excellent salaries, career growth, and opportunities to contribute to the energy sector’s future.

If you are a foreign professional looking to work in the U.S. oil & gas industry, this guide explains job opportunities, salary expectations, visa sponsorship options, top employers, and how to apply.

Why Work in the U.S. Oil Refinery Industry?

1. High Demand – Skilled refinery workers are needed due to workforce shortages.

2. Competitive Salaries – Refinery jobs often pay above-average wages.

3. Visa Sponsorship – Many companies hire foreigners through U.S. work visa programs.

4. Career Growth – Exposure to cutting-edge refining technologies.

5. Global Experience – Work in one of the world’s most advanced energy markets.

In-Demand Oil Refinery Jobs in the USA for Foreigners

Foreigners with technical expertise can apply for a variety of positions, including:

1. Process Engineer

• Design and optimize refining processes.

• Salary: USD 85,000 – 120,000/year

2. Refinery Operator / Technician

• Monitor equipment, run controls, and ensure safe refinery operations.

• Salary: USD 60,000 – 90,000/year

3. Maintenance Engineer / Technician

• Handle electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation maintenance.

• Salary: USD 65,000 – 100,000/year

4. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Officer

• Enforce safety standards and compliance.

• Salary: USD 70,000 – 105,000/year

5. Chemical Engineer

• Oversee refining chemicals, catalysts, and process efficiency.

• Salary: USD 90,000 – 130,000/year

6. Project Engineer / Manager

• Manage refinery construction, upgrades, and expansions.

• Salary: USD 95,000 – 140,000/year

Average Salaries in the U.S. Oil Refinery Sector

Many refineries also provide health insurance, retirement benefits, relocation assistance, and overtime pay.

Top U.S. Oil Refinery Employers

Foreign workers can find jobs with some of the biggest energy companies, including:

• ExxonMobil – Major refineries in Texas and Louisiana.

• Chevron – Large operations in California and Mississippi.

• Valero Energy – The world’s largest independent refiner.

• Marathon Petroleum – Refineries across the Midwest and Gulf Coast.

• Phillips 66 – Operations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Illinois.

• Shell USA – Refineries and petrochemical plants nationwide.

Visa Sponsorship for Oil Refinery Jobs in the USA

Foreign professionals typically apply through U.S. work visa programs, such as:

• H-1B Visa – For engineers and specialized refinery roles.

• H-2B Visa – For temporary refinery workers and technicians.

• L-1 Visa – For internal company transfers.

• Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2, EB-3) – For long-term skilled foreign workers.

Most large oil & gas companies in the U.S. offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.

How to Apply for Oil Refinery Jobs in the USA

1: Update Your Resume

• Use an American-style resume (1–2 pages, skills-focused).

• Highlight refinery projects, technical expertise, and safety training.

2: Gain Certifications

• OSHA Safety Training

• API Standards Knowledge (American Petroleum Institute)

• Engineering Degrees (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum)

• NEBOSH/IOSH (for HSE roles)

3: Apply on Trusted Platforms

• Indeed USA

• LinkedIn Jobs

• Rigzone

• Glassdoor

• Company Career Websites (ExxonMobil, Valero, Chevron, Shell, Marathon Petroleum)

4: Prepare for Interviews

• Be ready for technical refinery questions on processes, safety, and troubleshooting.

• Expect behavioral questions about teamwork, adaptability, and working in high-pressure environments.

Best U.S. States for Oil Refinery Jobs

• Texas – Houston, Baytown, Port Arthur (largest hub).

• Louisiana – Baton Rouge, Lake Charles.

• California – Los Angeles, Richmond.

• Illinois – Wood River, Joliet.

• New Jersey – Linden, Paulsboro.

Tips for Foreigners to Succeed in U.S. Refinery Jobs

• Highlight refinery-specific experience in your CV.
• Apply early for H-1B visa roles (sponsorship deadlines are strict).
• Network with recruiters on LinkedIn and Rigzone.
• Start with contract or project-based jobs to gain U.S. experience.

Final Thoughts

For skilled foreign professionals, oil refinery jobs in the USA provide excellent opportunities for career growth, high salaries, and visa sponsorship. With energy companies actively seeking global talent, this is a great time to apply and build a rewarding career in the American oil and gas sector.

If you have the right technical expertise, certifications, and adaptability, the U.S. refining industry could be your next big career move.