Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.
SOC: 47-5013.00
Common Job Titles
Pulling Unit Operator
Rig Operator
Service Operator
Service Rig Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate specialized oil and gas production equipment including hydraulic pumping systems, cement pumps, and downhole retrieval tools in drilling and production well environments to increase oil flow and remove obstructions.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance data and process indicators using pressure indicators, depth gauges, and SCADA software to ensure optimal well operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeDiagnose mechanical failures and wellbore obstructions using sonar equipment and downhole diagnostic tools to determine appropriate remediation strategies.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze wellbore conditions and equipment malfunctions applying knowledge of mechanical systems, physics, and engineering principles to solve complex field problems.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate safety protocols with operational procedures when working with high-pressure equipment and hazardous materials in compliance with public safety regulations.
Proficient
Hands-onCoordinate fishing-tool operations to retrieve stuck pipe, casing, and downhole objects leading service crews and operating specialized retrieval equipment under time-critical conditions.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform maintenance and repair tasks on mechanical equipment including sucker rods, wellhead drives, and hoisting systems to maintain operational readiness.
Developing
MindsetEngage in team coordination and communication with supervisors, field personnel, and clients to plan and execute service operations effectively.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain equipment operation procedures and safety requirements when training and coaching crew members on service unit operations and maintenance practices.
Developing
KnowledgeCalculate pressure, volume, and material specifications using mathematical principles to determine operational parameters for cementing and stimulation jobs.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
44,120
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $40,010. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,330. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $70,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $93,820. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$40,010
10% of workers earn the following or more
$93,820
Workers on average earn
$61,530
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Word
SAP software
Technology Skills
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Data logger software
Inventory tracking software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
