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I got a degree in Process Technology and was an Operator for 3 years before moving over to being a Control Systems Specialist (DCS/SIS) which I did for another 3 years. When I moved over to Control Systems I worked closely with I/E and learned Instrumentation which was very interesting. I liked programming DCSs so much that I’m actually a Software Developer now and work in Tech, but if I had to go back to the plants I would definitely go for Instrumentation before I did Operations. No shift work, you get to move around to other areas of the plant more, and there’s always interesting technical issues to work through.
Good video. I've been working in the instrument field for nearly 30 years and I picked the best choice for me without a doubt. Instrumentation is a very vast field with lots of opportunities. You can be an instrument/electrical tech, analyzer tech or become a dcs/PLC tech, you can get into sales (if that's your thing) and make a ton of money, or you can become a specialist (independent contractor) and travel the world. During my career I've worked instrument electrical and analyzers. I worked the 4/10 schedule for many years but I prefer working 14/14 rotation in the oil field. I spent 11 years in Alaska and more recently I'm in West Texas. Here's another advantage to Instrumentation over ops. If you work at a represented facility (which I spent a good portion of my career doing) and they happen to have a labor dispute and go on strike, a legit instrument tech will not have a problem finding temporary work likely the very next day (making even more money) or bettering themselves with another inhouse job (alot of OPS arent going to like that comment but its true) as long as your not working at a represented facility replacing striking workers (being a scab) then your completely within your rights. There's a huge demand for instrument techs. I do give ops a little advantage on salary, but may not be the case at all facilities. Some places actually pay instrument techs higher wages. I see you're at GBR, I worked there back when it was BP. If you really want to go into instrumentation, then when opportunity presents itself you could bid into it and go through the apprenticeship program, that's a fantastic way to learn the trade on the job! BTW... trash that Yankees hat and upgrade it with an Astros cap!
This is a great comment and everything you wrote is true! Guys/ Women listen up! Far as the Yankees hat I got because of the color 😭 I have a Astros hat as well
He's right, the hiring process is long. You need to put in the work and apply to as many jobs as possible. It took me 45 days to find a tech job from ending school to walking on the job. All companies are different. I work 12 hour shifts. One week I work 3 days the next I work 4. All companies pay is different. Where I work. I get overtime after 8 hours on any given day. Make sure you ask employers about how they pay and what the work schedule looks like. It's a great job. For any young people out there. It's a great field to get into young and advance as quickly as you can. I use to work a blue collar job for years. Yes you are on your feet but I find this job way more rewarding. Good luck to everyone and good bless.
I am a processor operator with a Diploma in Forestry, Certificate in Mechanical design specializing in process piping. First look at the industry. Logging is often seasonal and living in logging camps. You have one task, limb and top the tree. Your hrs are 12 hours machine hours and 1.5 hours travel to work site with -30C weather. Its often controlled by weather, fire hazard and permit delays. Repairs and servicing on frozen steel at 30 below
One of the reasons for this is because as an Instrument tech you have to understand the “big picture” or the process in order to help you diagnose specific problems with the instruments. This helps give the techs an intimate knowledge of the process, albeit not as detailed as an operator would understand their process unit. So with the specialized instrumentation training/knowledge and knowledge of the process gives the techs a great understanding of how the facility works. Where as in operations training there is usually a very basic overview of instrumentation just to give them a simplistic understanding of instrumentation principles. Hope this helps. @Edgar The Architect
This man hit the nail on the head ladies and gentlemen. Very good comparison of the two and taking into account outside factors to help you choose between the two. I’m an Instrumentation/Analyzer Tech in Alberta, Canada. I’m also educated in process operations, loving the videos!
@@winningwithwells I’m glad I found your channel you have great info and real world experience that you’re sharing with people. Better than all the the generic stuff found on UA-cam.
Where I live, operators make a little more money, but I/E techs have a better quality off life. Operators work shift work (12hr rotating days/nights/weekends/holidays) I/E techs work straight days (M-F days 8hr days with overtime as needed, off all holidays)
Hey man just got hired on thanks to you with Honeywell I start at the 1st of June 37 per hour I’m very excited even tho I have years of experience in the industrial world automotive plants Government Sites (Dept of Energy). I feel like your interview prep video really helped me not feel as nervous going in front of the panels I interviewed with. Thank you for that I feel like I Won with Wells!
@@winningwithwells man your not gonna believe this but I just Got bumped up to a lead operator position I’ll be training for it for about the next 3 months. God has definitely had his hands on me lately
@@jesusmendez4067 no it’s at the Only Uranium Hexafluoride Plant in the USA but Honeywell as a whole is a great company I’ve been here for about 2 months now and I love it the team cohesion it’s incredible
I just wanna give my story here for people who think you absolutely need a degree/certificate. I’m 25 years old and just accepted my first I&E position. I have some college but mostly I’m where I’m at through experience I moved to Houston about 3 years ago and during those 3 years I was working in the car wash maintenance industry ( I chose a field where it can relate to automation and electrical trouble shooting) so being in the car Wash industry changed my life because of how in depth the process of flow, air, chemical distribution, electrical troubleshooting PLC, HMIs, sensors and more believe it or not. With that being said I got lucky and got an interview with a Private Well Servicing company. I received an offer but first I must undergo a probationary period of 6 months of training before I can graduate out of Jr. tech. No college degree. You can do it too, never put yourself in a box plenty of people out here getting jobs without a college degree it’s all about where you start ! Good luck
Hello there, I am 22 years old and from Houston as well do you mind recommending any car wash companies to apply to? I wouldn’t mind following the route you have taken. I believe it would help me get experience in the field.
Nearly 2 years in as i&e and my weekly hours are at a minimum 65 to 70. This past week was 78 hours. Plus being on the road those per diem help the income massively.
Go I&E, you won’t regret it, it’s a rewarding career. Started as a contractor and worked on the road all over the country for years then took an in house plant job.
Pretty good take man. Experience will certainly vary from plant to plant, but seems to match my experience closely. I started as an operator then switched to an IC&E tech. Going from rotating shift work to 10-4's was a great adjustment for family life and I feel like I use my brain more as an IC&E tech.
Great info! Looking into Instrumentation Tech as a retirement job in 6 yrs when I finish as Federal Officer. The government is paying for 1 Course a semester for us and may get an Associate in Intrumentation Engineering Tech, Mechanical Engineering Tech or Petroleum Engineering Tech.
Really wish I knew this shit before. But I was being hard headed went to school for Industrial maintenance but I’ll be going back for Instrumentation and Electrical
Hi, I'm currently working as operator and I feel that you have explained the differences explicitly. Although in South Africa it's quite different instrument techs earn a lot more and they have more job opportunities due to increased demand for automation. Operators well it's harder to find jobs for them because if you work in a coal your experience might not be relevant in a cryogenic plant. So I'm switching from operations to instrument. But I appreciate your content
Nailed it, I am also in the operation field on a learnership basis. If you don't mind, can you explain the pros and cons of operation from South African standpoint and where do you get an instrumentation trade in SA because I have never heard of it?.
I got an interview for a process operator at Cargill tomorrow. No experience or anything but still got selected for the interview. Pretty hyped for it, especially the pay if i get it lmao
Thank you for this video I’ve been in the plants since 2018 as a rigger but always had electrical in the back of my mind I supposed to have the instrumentation and electrical degree right now but I put off so much and let things get in the way. Well now I’m doing it I was going to do instrumentation but I say hmmm should I just be a operator After looking at this video and me knowing what kind of career I want for myself. I decided ima go for the i/e tech. Thanks man for your input
Appreciate your videos bro I'm trying to turn my life around, going to a new state for technical school. These are the 2 main things I'm considering, it's hard to find good information about both.
mh schedule is 12 hours 37$ with a dollar raise every year i get a week off a month working swing shift 3 days 4 off and following week work 4 on 3 off job security over operators bc they can be replaced with robots running the process
@@winningwithwells well, I can't complain. I've basically been on it since I transferred to an in-house position 7 years ago. Prior to that I was in the company's roving outage/maintenance group (RSO-Regional Service Organization) where I traveled between plants in the fleet. But I miss that the most. When at my home base plant, we primarily worked four 10's. During an outage, we ran two rotating crews of daylight and nights. Now there is a daylight contingent in the plant, but getting on that is seniority based. But I digress. I like the schedule solely because of the long break. We usually just call it the daylight at the end of the tunnel. The quick turnaround week is "hell week" or the "coffee break" depending on how you look at it. Straight 40 is nice, but you only get two days off a week, sometimes not even that. The trade-off is that on shift, you're the vanguard and responsible for maintaining the entire plant as issues come up, as opposed to planned out daylight work with few big surprises.
@@ElectricBuckeye makes sense to me and I like your outlook on your job and schedule. Hell week can be tough but you cant beat those long breaks off work
I really appreciate this video. I’ve been looking into which of the 2 ways to go into soon. I’ve been a maintenance tech in Nukes for the last 5 years. I’m a welder by trade but I do turbine work, RCP work, etc. You name it and my group has done it. I make 6 figures but I don’t want to be breathing smoke and grunt work for the rest of my life. Also I would like to travel abroad more. Currently looking into getting a 2 yr degree in instrumentation on the company . I know i will have to take an immediate pay cut but hopefully within a yr or 2 of experience in the field I can be back over 100k . A lot of the guys from my group have transitioned to a stable plant as operators and make a ton but that DuPont schedule sounds crazy especially since I have a family. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Gonna subscribe
I appreciate you watching my video, from your comment I&E technology maybe the better option for you. Especially the schedule will be more beneficial for time off with your family. Either way both are good careers to get into. Let us know how it goes for you
It depends where you work. Some companies go by seniority for board ops meaning they will ask the person that’s been there the longest if they want to work the board if they decline then the next person so on and so forth until they new people are up in line then they will be forced. On the hand, it could go by volunteer or everyone is forced.
Love the videos man. I’m Currently taking Process technology classes at San jac And these videos are super informative and helpful. Keep up the good work !
Nice! It will depend on what type of work you want to get into. There are pipeline companies here in Houston as well as refineries/ chemical plants. Start here - What type of schedule do you want work? - Benefits for you and your family? - Commute back and forth from home to work? Just a few things to think about before making the move. Hopefully this helps
@@cjdiva6440 it depends on your assigned area and job duties. Example: You have to calibrate a level transmitter on a tower that day then you will have to climb the tower to access it
Nice vids man been watching you for awhile for insight. What degree would I have to get to become a instermentation tech I am currently just starting on getting my degree in process Technology AAS degree.
Congratulations! It will be tough at first but regular exercise helps and having a good sleeping environment at home will help when coming off night shifts
It depends, at some companies after a set number of years of service you can transfer into I&E from operations. Others you will have to apply, quit your current position, and re hire in as an I&E tech. Certification or experience may be required as well
Hey Wells, is there any way I could take the computer based operator tests and get my raises quicker? Or does it just depend on company. I’m wondering how do I get into the bigger money in operations. How many years of chemical operator experience do I need to get into a refinery like marathon? It doesn’t seem like there are too many oil refineries. I can only think of BP in whiting IN, marathon in Texas city, Phillips 66 in lake Charles la, and chevron in Pascagoula.
Are these jobs harder to come by, I&E and instrument Tech, then process operator I have a degree in Process tech from HCC graduated in 2018 and haven’t been able to get a job
Not too sure about the upward mobility. I’ll have to bring on an Instrumentation Tech to answer your question in more depth. From what I see, you can move up into a coordinator position or in the projects group
There is definitely job mobility in instrumentation. Roles would include field supervisor, PLC/Controls specialist, job planning, turnaround planning/execution, process analyzer specialist, procedure writing. Same goes with operators. Lots of “step up” job assignments where you will specialize in a certain role for a certain time frame, supervision, turnaround coordinator, console operator, mechanical/operations liaison. Probably missing a few but both have excellent opportunities for growth in the career.
I am HVAC technician and I want to become an instrumentation technician what online schools do you recommend, entry salaries and what companies do you recommend to work for ? I live in the area of Nevada .
Nice! Check out this resource here 👉facebook.com/groups/instrumenttechs/ Most community colleges offer technical degree programs for instrumentation. Entry salaries are $30 per hour here in Texas not sure about Nevada. Good companies to work for Chevron, Shell, Dow Chemical, Budweiser, Miller, Lyondell, Ineos, and most chemical plants. Hopefully this helps!
My uncle is an operator at Exxon here in Houston. I’m wondering if there is any other industries that need process technicians other than the oil field?
Yes, there are positions for process operators/ technicians in water treatment facilities, chemical plants, power plants, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage companies, and more. I focused on the oil and gas section of it because it pays the most and has the better benefits from my experience and talking with people in other areas that I listed above. Hopefully this helps
I/E almost always makes more than Ops, and that’s because they don’t work as much overtime and many don’t work shift work, just an on call schedule. Most plants, I/E can make as much as $8 more an hour at the top end of both pay grades.
No it doesn’t hinder you from getting a job opportunity. I want you and others to give yourselves the best chance possible by obtaining the Process Technology Degree
My former neighbor recommended me as a instrument technician because there’s a community college program going on in my area for it but my Dad is a Process Technician & I have 2 cousins as a process operator that career runs in my family a lot I work in a manufacturing company as a line assembler I’m kindly undecided which one best fits me they’re both great careers I feel like my interest is leaning towards instrument technician what’s your thoughts?
Either choice will be beneficial in my opinion. If you are leaning towards instrument tech then go for it! You will have a specialized trade and the skills will be transferable where you go. Hopefully this helps
Im not sure, every facility may have different requirements. Here where I work I&E has to have the Instrumentation Technology degree or experience. Try to find a college near by that offer online classes. Hopefully this helps
@@angelflores3431 its more of the application of the skill. Regardless if its in or out of a shop in my opinion. Also, you can call companies HR departments and ask what all they require at their site.
Thanks brother and yes you can still get hired with just a certificate. You can get hired without any experience or education, although it will be very difficult it has happened before. I suggest you give the best advantage possible when it comes to getting hired. In my opinion, the best case scenario would be 2yr Process Technology degree with certification and know someone at the company you are trying to get hired at. Pass all the test, group exercises, and interview well. Hopefully this helps!
Yes but you can’t do both at the same time. At least here at my facility. Instrumentation techs work under the maintenance umbrella and their schedule is different from operations. Also, some companies will require you to re hire into the new position vs transitioning over to it. It’s rare that people switch over but it has happened before
@Winning With Wells Thank you, I was wondering since im about to get into San Jac for the 2 year program in pasadena. I wanted to know if I ever wanted to do operations with instrumentation degree.
@@fernandogarza1615 If this is the case, I would get the Process Operations Certificate (6 months) along with your I&E tech degree that way you have the paperwork covered on both ends. Hopefully this helps
Hi there real question , I work in a oil industry and work in pipeline making about 75k in California with no degree . I have literally 0 experience in instrumentation or electrical but my boss is forcing me( to save money) to learn and become I& E tech for another $5 an hour , in your opinion is it even worth it all? My math is OK but my calculus is bad and I’ve always suckkked in the metric system if that matters lol. Forgot to add I work a 5 days a week 8 hrs a days
In my opinion you have a really good schedule with some flexibility. If you like where you are currently then stay, no sense in stressing yourself out over 5 dollars more per hour. Instead make extra income from your hobbies or experience in pipeline. Hopefully this helps!
@@winningwithwells really appreciate the quick response ! I know many marathon pipeline guys and I still think that that’s it’s crazy that marathon is soo high on the payscale even though their gas prices almost always beat shell or chevron/ the rest, as someone who used to be chevron pipeline . It really says a lot about marathon and their competitors 😎 much props to you for being honest about everything. I hope you have a long fruitful life in this industry as my mentors have had . 👍
The average starting pay for Instrument techs here in Texas is between 30-35 per hour. Also, working with Oil companies the pay is higher and could be 45 starting out. I’m not sure where you are working currently but hopefully this clears things up.
@@winningwithwells thank you, I’m actually not an instrument tech. I’m a biomedical electronics technician. I obtained my 2 year biomedical electronics degree this year and have been an apprentice for a year. I just recently started my full time role but I have came across instrumentation and became interested. I didn’t know if my degree would be transferable since it is mostly just electronics but I don’t have any education on PLC and electrical besides UA-cam and wiring outlets and switches and stuff around the house. Do you think this would transfer over or no?
@@daltondelaney9534 I understand better now, I am not sure if it will be transferrable. Try and apply you may get the job opportunity because you have a degree and it helps
No I personally don’t think 42 is too late. I hired in with a guy that was 52 before. In my opinion, 35-45 is a prime age, enough life experience and can easily put in 20-25yrs with the company. I say give it a try
@Winning With Wells OK, oh yeah, I'm going to give it a shot. I'm not going to let that long 18 months I had to go to school go to waste.I'm tired of working hard. I build and repair cooling towers in plants. My bad for talking so much, I'm just excited about starting a new career. But I'm going to update my resume and send it to you today. Thank you again bro
@Winning With Wells I'm a Operator for ExxonMobil and I feel like yes the schedule is a drawback but operators make an extra 50k (approx) more than an IE tech because of the overtime opportunities. So if you have a family to provide for yes be a Operator, if you're single then IE is better choice. Also keep is mind a Operator has to take equipment out of service so sometimes the workload maybe a little more physical so I guess it depends on your physical capabilities as well.
Congratulations on getting this far! Get your process technology degree, apply for the position, pass the entry tests, interview, and pass the background checks. This is how you become an operator
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I got a degree in Process Technology and was an Operator for 3 years before moving over to being a Control Systems Specialist (DCS/SIS) which I did for another 3 years. When I moved over to Control Systems I worked closely with I/E and learned Instrumentation which was very interesting. I liked programming DCSs so much that I’m actually a Software Developer now and work in Tech, but if I had to go back to the plants I would definitely go for Instrumentation before I did Operations. No shift work, you get to move around to other areas of the plant more, and there’s always interesting technical issues to work through.
This very interesting and I appreciate your comment. Very insightful!
The work schedule of this technicians are far better than a software developer
Good video. I've been working in the instrument field for nearly 30 years and I picked the best choice for me without a doubt. Instrumentation is a very vast field with lots of opportunities. You can be an instrument/electrical tech, analyzer tech or become a dcs/PLC tech, you can get into sales (if that's your thing) and make a ton of money, or you can become a specialist (independent contractor) and travel the world. During my career I've worked instrument electrical and analyzers. I worked the 4/10 schedule for many years but I prefer working 14/14 rotation in the oil field. I spent 11 years in Alaska and more recently I'm in West Texas. Here's another advantage to Instrumentation over ops. If you work at a represented facility (which I spent a good portion of my career doing) and they happen to have a labor dispute and go on strike, a legit instrument tech will not have a problem finding temporary work likely the very next day (making even more money) or bettering themselves with another inhouse job (alot of OPS arent going to like that comment but its true) as long as your not working at a represented facility replacing striking workers (being a scab) then your completely within your rights. There's a huge demand for instrument techs. I do give ops a little advantage on salary, but may not be the case at all facilities. Some places actually pay instrument techs higher wages. I see you're at GBR, I worked there back when it was BP. If you really want to go into instrumentation, then when opportunity presents itself you could bid into it and go through the apprenticeship program, that's a fantastic way to learn the trade on the job! BTW... trash that Yankees hat and upgrade it with an Astros cap!
This is a great comment and everything you wrote is true! Guys/ Women listen up! Far as the Yankees hat I got because of the color 😭 I have a Astros hat as well
Also, I would love to bring you on the channel for an interview. Send me an email if you are interested. Thank you in advance
Fuck the Astros. I agree with everything else though, lots to learn from guys like you. Except for your choice in teams 😂 take it easy boss 👌
Can you also work 4/10 in the oil field if not what fields can you work with a 4/10 schedule
where’s the money at? I was thinking of going into the plants. I start school for instrumentation and control’s tomorrow
He's right, the hiring process is long. You need to put in the work and apply to as many jobs as possible. It took me 45 days to find a tech job from ending school to walking on the job. All companies are different. I work 12 hour shifts. One week I work 3 days the next I work 4. All companies pay is different. Where I work. I get overtime after 8 hours on any given day. Make sure you ask employers about how they pay and what the work schedule looks like. It's a great job. For any young people out there. It's a great field to get into young and advance as quickly as you can. I use to work a blue collar job for years. Yes you are on your feet but I find this job way more rewarding. Good luck to everyone and good bless.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s great to hear about the variety in the industry.
Hey @levis503 did you start of as a apprentice?
I’m in South Tx weighing my options for processing or instrumentation. With that being said, your video has swayed me towards instrumentation. Ty!
Smart woman! That would be a good fit and I believe you will do well
I am a processor operator with a Diploma in Forestry, Certificate in Mechanical design specializing in process piping. First look at the industry. Logging is often seasonal and living in logging camps. You have one task, limb and top the tree. Your hrs are 12 hours machine hours and 1.5 hours travel to work site with -30C weather. Its often controlled by weather, fire hazard and permit delays. Repairs and servicing on frozen steel at 30 below
This is very unique and I appreciate this comment on this industry
@@winningwithwells except I need to pay attention to what Im reading and responding to or at a minimum Google Process Operator before hand😅
My advice is go to school for I&E, you can get an operator job with I&E degree but you can’t become I&E with a ptech degree, it’s give you options
Great comment! Y’all listen up and take this into consideration
Would it still be possible with just getting certs from school and not getting the degree?
How come you cant ? Just curious because i am going for a ptec degree and after watching this video im considering switching to instrumentation .
One of the reasons for this is because as an Instrument tech you have to understand the “big picture” or the process in order to help you diagnose specific problems with the instruments. This helps give the techs an intimate knowledge of the process, albeit not as detailed as an operator would understand their process unit.
So with the specialized instrumentation training/knowledge and knowledge of the process gives the techs a great understanding of how the facility works. Where as in operations training there is usually a very basic overview of instrumentation just to give them a simplistic understanding of instrumentation principles.
Hope this helps. @Edgar The Architect
@@edgarthearchitect2010 see my above comment
This man hit the nail on the head ladies and gentlemen. Very good comparison of the two and taking into account outside factors to help you choose between the two.
I’m an Instrumentation/Analyzer Tech in Alberta, Canada. I’m also educated in process operations, loving the videos!
Thank you! I appreciate you and you have best of both worlds
@@winningwithwells I’m glad I found your channel you have great info and real world experience that you’re sharing with people. Better than all the the generic stuff found on UA-cam.
Where I live, operators make a little more money, but I/E techs have a better quality off life. Operators work shift work (12hr rotating days/nights/weekends/holidays) I/E techs work straight days (M-F days 8hr days with overtime as needed, off all holidays)
Thanks for your insight. We have similar set up here in Houston
Hey man just got hired on thanks to you with Honeywell I start at the 1st of June 37 per hour I’m very excited even tho I have years of experience in the industrial world automotive plants Government Sites (Dept of Energy). I feel like your interview prep video really helped me not feel as nervous going in front of the panels I interviewed with. Thank you for that I feel like I Won with Wells!
Congratulations 🍾🎉🎊 I really enjoyed reading your comment! I hope everything goes well at your new job. Keep us updated!
@@winningwithwells man your not gonna believe this but I just Got bumped up to a lead operator position I’ll be training for it for about the next 3 months. God has definitely had his hands on me lately
@@zakattack4274 Congrats! I am proud of you, keep progressing!
@@zakattack4274 hey bro if you don’t mind me asking is this in the Bay Area in Cali?
@@jesusmendez4067 no it’s at the Only Uranium Hexafluoride Plant in the USA but Honeywell as a whole is a great company I’ve been here for about 2 months now and I love it the team cohesion it’s incredible
I just wanna give my story here for people who think you absolutely need a degree/certificate. I’m 25 years old and just accepted my first I&E position. I have some college but mostly I’m where I’m at through experience I moved to Houston about 3 years ago and during those 3 years I was working in the car wash maintenance industry ( I chose a field where it can relate to automation and electrical trouble shooting) so being in the car Wash industry changed my life because of how in depth the process of flow, air, chemical distribution, electrical troubleshooting PLC, HMIs, sensors and more believe it or not. With that being said I got lucky and got an interview with a Private Well Servicing company. I received an offer but first I must undergo a probationary period of 6 months of training before I can graduate out of Jr. tech. No college degree. You can do it too, never put yourself in a box plenty of people out here getting jobs without a college degree it’s all about where you start ! Good luck
This is true! Great insight and thanks for sharing
Hello there, I am 22 years old and from Houston as well do you mind recommending any car wash companies to apply to? I wouldn’t mind following the route you have taken. I believe it would help me get experience in the field.
Nearly 2 years in as i&e and my weekly hours are at a minimum 65 to 70. This past week was 78 hours. Plus being on the road those per diem help the income massively.
Go I&E, you won’t regret it, it’s a rewarding career. Started as a contractor and worked on the road all over the country for years then took an in house plant job.
Yessir! Thank you for this posting this comment. Listen up and take the advice!
I’m enrolled in both courses rn. But I hear it harder to get in the door as an instrument tech.
This what I plan on doing. Don’t know which contractor to join yet thou
This video was much needed for me. Currently taking classes to become an operator at san jac but im after watching im considering instrumentation now.
You’re welcome! Either career will be beneficial just choose the one that best fits your family situation.
Maybe where you are but town to town and state to state the hours worked and duties will be very different
This is true!
Pretty good take man. Experience will certainly vary from plant to plant, but seems to match my experience closely. I started as an operator then switched to an IC&E tech. Going from rotating shift work to 10-4's was a great adjustment for family life and I feel like I use my brain more as an IC&E tech.
Thank you and I am considering making the same career change to have more time for my family as well. Both are great career paths to choose from.
Thanks for the tips in the video. I've successfully passed 2 interviews within a week. God Bless You, my brother
Congratulations brother! I appreciate you sharing your successes with us !
@@winningwithwells it's all thanks to your tips
Great info! Looking into Instrumentation Tech as a retirement job in 6 yrs when I finish as Federal Officer. The government is paying for 1 Course a semester for us and may get an Associate in Intrumentation Engineering Tech, Mechanical Engineering Tech or Petroleum Engineering Tech.
Nice! You have great options to choose from! Either way you will be good in my opinion
As an instrument tech from this area, marathon GBR is the worst lol. (Also It’s the bp that blew up) but good video I like it.
🤔…
You just changed my mind. I just applied to go to school for Process Technology but I think I’m going to switch to Instrumentation Technician.
Good choice, either way both are great career choices.
Really wish I knew this shit before. But I was being hard headed went to school for Industrial maintenance but I’ll be going back for Instrumentation and Electrical
I understand and better late than never. You are a making a really good career choice
Hi, I'm currently working as operator and I feel that you have explained the differences explicitly. Although in South Africa it's quite different instrument techs earn a lot more and they have more job opportunities due to increased demand for automation. Operators well it's harder to find jobs for them because if you work in a coal your experience might not be relevant in a cryogenic plant. So I'm switching from operations to instrument. But I appreciate your content
This makes sense and I appreciate your input from South Africa. Interesting how high demand those instrumentation jobs are now
Nailed it, I am also in the operation field on a learnership basis. If you don't mind, can you explain the pros and cons of operation from South African standpoint and where do you get an instrumentation trade in SA because I have never heard of it?.
I got an interview for a process operator at Cargill tomorrow. No experience or anything but still got selected for the interview. Pretty hyped for it, especially the pay if i get it lmao
You got this! Good luck!
Thank you for this video I’ve been in the plants since 2018 as a rigger but always had electrical in the back of my mind I supposed to have the instrumentation and electrical degree right now but I put off so much and let things get in the way. Well now I’m doing it I was going to do instrumentation but I say hmmm should I just be a operator After looking at this video and me knowing what kind of career I want for myself. I decided ima go for the i/e tech. Thanks man for your input
You’re welcome brother, and always pick what’s best you and your family. You are making a good choice in my opinion. Good luck on your journey!
You gained a follower thanks for the clarity
Thank you! I appreciate you
Thank you man, you helped me out👍
You’re welcome! Glad I could help
Appreciate your videos bro I'm trying to turn my life around, going to a new state for technical school. These are the 2 main things I'm considering, it's hard to find good information about both.
You’re welcome, I’m glad to help. Either career path will be beneficial, just pick which schedule works best for you and your family.
mh schedule is 12 hours 37$ with a dollar raise every year i get a week off a month working swing shift 3 days 4 off and following week work 4 on 3 off job security over operators bc they can be replaced with robots running the process
Nice! You have a good set up over there at your facility
@@winningwithwells it's a blessing to do this job 🙏
cool welll done,,, thank you
I'm an ICE tech and I also work a DuPont schedule. 4-3-3-4-7 off. It's power generation though. Not production.
Nice! How do you like the schedule?
@@winningwithwells well, I can't complain. I've basically been on it since I transferred to an in-house position 7 years ago. Prior to that I was in the company's roving outage/maintenance group (RSO-Regional Service Organization) where I traveled between plants in the fleet. But I miss that the most. When at my home base plant, we primarily worked four 10's. During an outage, we ran two rotating crews of daylight and nights. Now there is a daylight contingent in the plant, but getting on that is seniority based.
But I digress. I like the schedule solely because of the long break. We usually just call it the daylight at the end of the tunnel. The quick turnaround week is "hell week" or the "coffee break" depending on how you look at it. Straight 40 is nice, but you only get two days off a week, sometimes not even that. The trade-off is that on shift, you're the vanguard and responsible for maintaining the entire plant as issues come up, as opposed to planned out daylight work with few big surprises.
@@ElectricBuckeye makes sense to me and I like your outlook on your job and schedule. Hell week can be tough but you cant beat those long breaks off work
Good information . Thank you for your input !!
Glad it was helpful!
I really appreciate this video. I’ve been looking into which of the 2 ways to go into soon. I’ve been a maintenance tech in Nukes for the last 5 years. I’m a welder by trade but I do turbine work, RCP work, etc. You name it and my group has done it. I make 6 figures but I don’t want to be breathing smoke and grunt work for the rest of my life. Also I would like to travel abroad more. Currently looking into getting a 2 yr degree in instrumentation on the company . I know i will have to take an immediate pay cut but hopefully within a yr or 2 of experience in the field I can be back over 100k . A lot of the guys from my group have transitioned to a stable plant as operators and make a ton but that DuPont schedule sounds crazy especially since I have a family. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Gonna subscribe
I appreciate you watching my video, from your comment I&E technology maybe the better option for you. Especially the schedule will be more beneficial for time off with your family. Either way both are good careers to get into. Let us know how it goes for you
@1:44 do you automatically go to the board?
It depends where you work. Some companies go by seniority for board ops meaning they will ask the person that’s been there the longest if they want to work the board if they decline then the next person so on and so forth until they new people are up in line then they will be forced.
On the hand, it could go by volunteer or everyone is forced.
Great video as usual appreciate the knowledge
Thank you! I appreciate your support
Love the videos man. I’m Currently taking Process technology classes at San jac And these videos are super informative and helpful. Keep up the good work !
Thank you! I appreciate you supporting the channel and I will continue to help as many as possible!
I’m registering with San Jac as we speak. I’m excited about this. These videos are super helpful.
Can you do both Instrument tech and process ops with the instrumentation degree?
@@fernandogarza1615 YES you can
I work in SE New Mexico an W Tx oil fields for EOG resources as a Pipeline tech. How and or what would be a good transition if I move to Houston
Nice! It will depend on what type of work you want to get into. There are pipeline companies here in Houston as well as refineries/ chemical plants. Start here
- What type of schedule do you want work?
- Benefits for you and your family?
- Commute back and forth from home to work?
Just a few things to think about before making the move. Hopefully this helps
Welp I&E tech it is... so glad that I saw this video 🥰👍🏾
Glad it was helpful! Good choice brother!
@@winningwithwells I’m a woman lol but yes it was helpful 👍🏾
Also is there a lot of climbing towers?
@@cjdiva6440 it depends on your assigned area and job duties. Example: You have to calibrate a level transmitter on a tower that day then you will have to climb the tower to access it
Nice vids man been watching you for awhile for insight. What degree would I have to get to become a instermentation tech I am currently just starting on getting my degree in process Technology AAS degree.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching the videos on my channel. You will need the Instrumentation Technology AAS degree
Very helpful video preciate it brotha... Wheres the link to the IET point of view if you got around go it ?
You're welcome! The video is here 👉 ua-cam.com/video/1ATHjzEtvFk/v-deo.html
Do the oil & gas I&C techs do crosswords like us power generation folks? It was a rite of passage for us.
Not sure if they do or not but I’ll ask around at work.
I'm starting my operator jon Jan '24, they run on a dupont schedule. How do you balance your health with this shift change schedule?
Congratulations! It will be tough at first but regular exercise helps and having a good sleeping environment at home will help when coming off night shifts
Hey Wells, I’m a process operator at a chemical plant. I was wondering how I could transfer over to be and I & E tech. Any ideas how to do that?
It depends, at some companies after a set number of years of service you can transfer into I&E from operations. Others you will have to apply, quit your current position, and re hire in as an I&E tech. Certification or experience may be required as well
Hey Wells, is there any way I could take the computer based operator tests and get my raises quicker? Or does it just depend on company. I’m wondering how do I get into the bigger money in operations. How many years of chemical operator experience do I need to get into a refinery like marathon? It doesn’t seem like there are too many oil refineries. I can only think of BP in whiting IN, marathon in Texas city, Phillips 66 in lake Charles la, and chevron in Pascagoula.
For instrumentation what major do I have to go for? For operator I know i gotta search process technology but for instrumentation?
Usually it will be under Instrumentation or electrical technology
Where’s the best places to look for Instrument tech job and work 4/10s for someone coming out of school?
Top States - Texas, Louisiana, California
Top Companies- Chevron, Shell, Dow, Ineos, Marathon, Exxon, Lyondell
Hopefully this helps!
It definitely does! Thanks!
Could I land a position at either with an associates degree in mechanical engineering?
You should be able to, check with the HR Department of the company you apply for. Hopefully this helps!
@@winningwithwells thank you
Are these jobs harder to come by, I&E and instrument Tech, then process operator I have a degree in Process tech from HCC graduated in 2018 and haven’t been able to get a job
Yes they are more difficult to get into than I&E. Maybe you can broaden your search and relocate to a different state if possible
@@winningwithwells thanks maybe I will look into instrument tech at San Jacinto or Lee community College
In essence though the pay is good there isn't much room for upward mobility in Instrumentation?
Not too sure about the upward mobility. I’ll have to bring on an Instrumentation Tech to answer your question in more depth. From what I see, you can move up into a coordinator position or in the projects group
There is definitely job mobility in instrumentation. Roles would include field supervisor, PLC/Controls specialist, job planning, turnaround planning/execution, process analyzer specialist, procedure writing.
Same goes with operators. Lots of “step up” job assignments where you will specialize in a certain role for a certain time frame, supervision, turnaround coordinator, console operator, mechanical/operations liaison.
Probably missing a few but both have excellent opportunities for growth in the career.
I am HVAC technician and I want to become an instrumentation technician what online schools do you recommend, entry salaries and what companies do you recommend to work for ? I live in the area of Nevada .
Nice! Check out this resource here 👉facebook.com/groups/instrumenttechs/
Most community colleges offer technical degree programs for instrumentation. Entry salaries are $30 per hour here in Texas not sure about Nevada. Good companies to work for Chevron, Shell, Dow Chemical, Budweiser, Miller, Lyondell, Ineos, and most chemical plants. Hopefully this helps!
My uncle is an operator at Exxon here in Houston. I’m wondering if there is any other industries that need process technicians other than the oil field?
Yes, there are positions for process operators/ technicians in water treatment facilities, chemical plants, power plants, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage companies, and more.
I focused on the oil and gas section of it because it pays the most and has the better benefits from my experience and talking with people in other areas that I listed above. Hopefully this helps
So if I go for I & E can I work as an operator?
Yes you can, I work with one guy now that has an I&E tech degree but works in operations because he like the DuPont schedule. It’s possible
I/E almost always makes more than Ops, and that’s because they don’t work as much overtime and many don’t work shift work, just an on call schedule. Most plants, I/E can make as much as $8 more an hour at the top end of both pay grades.
This is true! Alway go with works best for you and your family
So just having a NCCER certification would hinder me?
No it doesn’t hinder you from getting a job opportunity. I want you and others to give yourselves the best chance possible by obtaining the Process Technology Degree
What 2 year degree you need for i .e
Here in Houston, the degree is called Instrumentation Technology AAS
My former neighbor recommended me as a instrument technician because there’s a community college program going on in my area for it but my Dad is a Process Technician & I have 2 cousins as a process operator that career runs in my family a lot I work in a manufacturing company as a line assembler I’m kindly undecided which one best fits me they’re both great careers I feel like my interest is leaning towards instrument technician what’s your thoughts?
Either choice will be beneficial in my opinion. If you are leaning towards instrument tech then go for it! You will have a specialized trade and the skills will be transferable where you go. Hopefully this helps
My local community college only has process technology and not instrumentation technology do you think I could still become a i&e with a ptech degree
Im not sure, every facility may have different requirements. Here where I work I&E has to have the Instrumentation Technology degree or experience. Try to find a college near by that offer online classes. Hopefully this helps
I&E work can also work in shops huh ?
Yes at some facilities they can
@@winningwithwells honestly a shop would be good for starting off to gain experience
@@angelflores3431 its more of the application of the skill. Regardless if its in or out of a shop in my opinion. Also, you can call companies HR departments and ask what all they require at their site.
Hey man great video. Do you think i have a chance if i only get the certificate in college? Can i get hired through the plant also?
Thanks brother and yes you can still get hired with just a certificate. You can get hired without any experience or education, although it will be very difficult it has happened before.
I suggest you give the best advantage possible when it comes to getting hired. In my opinion, the best case scenario would be 2yr Process Technology degree with certification and know someone at the company you are trying to get hired at. Pass all the test, group exercises, and interview well. Hopefully this helps!
Please do anyone knows anything about this degree:
Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology?
Lil details please
Join this group here: 👉facebook.com/groups/instrumenttechs/
Can instrument techs work in process operations? and Vise versa?
Yes but you can’t do both at the same time. At least here at my facility. Instrumentation techs work under the maintenance umbrella and their schedule is different from operations. Also, some companies will require you to re hire into the new position vs transitioning over to it. It’s rare that people switch over but it has happened before
@Winning With Wells Thank you, I was wondering since im about to get into San Jac for the 2 year program in pasadena. I wanted to know if I ever wanted to do operations with instrumentation degree.
@@fernandogarza1615 If this is the case, I would get the Process Operations Certificate (6 months) along with your I&E tech degree that way you have the paperwork covered on both ends. Hopefully this helps
Can a person do an online class
Yes certain schools offer online classes/ programs. Reach out the admin or the instructors to get more information
Hi there real question , I work in a oil industry and work in pipeline making about 75k in California with no degree . I have literally 0 experience in instrumentation or electrical but my boss is forcing me( to save money) to learn and become I& E tech for another $5 an hour , in your opinion is it even worth it all? My math is OK but my calculus is bad and I’ve always suckkked in the metric system if that matters lol. Forgot to add I work a 5 days a week 8 hrs a days
In my opinion you have a really good schedule with some flexibility. If you like where you are currently then stay, no sense in stressing yourself out over 5 dollars more per hour. Instead make extra income from your hobbies or experience in pipeline. Hopefully this helps!
@@winningwithwells really appreciate the quick response ! I know many marathon pipeline guys and I still think that that’s it’s crazy that marathon is soo high on the payscale even though their gas prices almost always beat shell or chevron/ the rest, as someone who used to be chevron pipeline . It really says a lot about marathon and their competitors 😎 much props to you for being honest about everything. I hope you have a long fruitful life in this industry as my mentors have had . 👍
@@snakepl1skin Thank you and I appreciate your kinds words. I hope you have a long and successful career as well.
Don’t mean to be rude but I heard that starting out as a instrument tech was 45k a year. Did you mean to say that instead of 45 an hour?
The average starting pay for Instrument techs here in Texas is between 30-35 per hour. Also, working with Oil companies the pay is higher and could be 45 starting out. I’m not sure where you are working currently but hopefully this clears things up.
@@winningwithwells thank you, I’m actually not an instrument tech. I’m a biomedical electronics technician. I obtained my 2 year biomedical electronics degree this year and have been an apprentice for a year. I just recently started my full time role but I have came across instrumentation and became interested. I didn’t know if my degree would be transferable since it is mostly just electronics but I don’t have any education on PLC and electrical besides UA-cam and wiring outlets and switches and stuff around the house. Do you think this would transfer over or no?
@@daltondelaney9534 I understand better now, I am not sure if it will be transferrable. Try and apply you may get the job opportunity because you have a degree and it helps
Don't you think 42 is too late to become a process technician?
No I personally don’t think 42 is too late. I hired in with a guy that was 52 before. In my opinion, 35-45 is a prime age, enough life experience and can easily put in 20-25yrs with the company. I say give it a try
@Winning With Wells OK, oh yeah, I'm going to give it a shot. I'm not going to let that long 18 months I had to go to school go to waste.I'm tired of working hard. I build and repair cooling towers in plants. My bad for talking so much, I'm just excited about starting a new career. But I'm going to update my resume and send it to you today. Thank you again bro
Lol almost everyone in the comments prefer IE over Operator
I understand, the schedule is the biggest drawback to operations
@Winning With Wells I'm a Operator for ExxonMobil and I feel like yes the schedule is a drawback but operators make an extra 50k (approx) more than an IE tech because of the overtime opportunities. So if you have a family to provide for yes be a Operator, if you're single then IE is better choice. Also keep is mind a Operator has to take equipment out of service so sometimes the workload maybe a little more physical so I guess it depends on your physical capabilities as well.
PROCESS OPERATOR TEST STUDY GUIDE: 👉 amzn.to/3OSqdgI
i got 6 months left til i'm done with instrumentation tech school
how u become operations
Congratulations on getting this far! Get your process technology degree, apply for the position, pass the entry tests, interview, and pass the background checks. This is how you become an operator