How to become a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician

Also called: Gas or Petroleum Plant Operator, Process Operator (Gas or Petroleum), Process Technician (Gas or Petroleum)

Monitors and controls equipment to pump oil and gas from wellheads, and refine and process petroleum products.

Main tasks

• Monitors and controls equipment to pump oil and gas from wellheads
• Operates refining and processing equipment to produce petroleum products
• Monitors and adjusts process variables such as temperature, pressure and flow rates
• Collects and analyses samples of oil and gas for testing
• Monitors and controls the quality of petroleum products
• Inspects and conducts routine maintenance on equipment to ensure proper functioning
• Records and maintains production and equipment data
• Responds to alarms and emergencies, taking appropriate action

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations (UEG30122); Certificate IV in Gas Supply Industry Operations (UEG40222); Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology (PMA40116); Diploma of Gas Supply Industry Operations (UEG50122); Diploma of Process Plant Technology (PMA50116); Certificate III in Process Plant Operations (PMA30120); Certificate II in Gas Supply Industry Operations (UEG20122); Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $183,664 a year
• About 9,500 people work in this job group now, and about 10,400 are projected by 2035. (+9.1%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Chemical Plant Operator
• Power Generation Plant Operator
• Shoemaker
• Upholsterer
• Leather Goods Maker
• Sail Maker

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations; Certificate IV in Gas Supply Industry Operations; Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations.

How much does a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $183,664 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 9,500 to about 10,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician?

Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations; Certificate IV in Gas Supply Industry Operations; Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Gas or Petroleum Production Technician?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04