Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
SOC: 53-7073.00
Common Job Titles
Field Operator
Lease Operator
Pumper
Well Tender
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate power pumps and auxiliary equipment in oil field environments to produce flow of oil or gas from wells.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance and process conditions by monitoring pressure gauges, temperature instruments, and flow rates to ensure optimal production.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform mechanical repairs and maintenance on pumping equipment using hand tools and diagnostic equipment to maintain wellhead operations.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute equipment inspections and safety checks following regulatory requirements and company protocols in field operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply mechanical and chemical process knowledge to optimize pump operations and chemical injection systems for well production.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to remotely monitor well performance and adjust operational parameters.
Proficient
KnowledgeCompare production data and operational metrics against established standards to identify performance issues and improvement opportunities.
Proficient
MindsetPrioritize safety and environmental compliance with operational efficiency when scheduling work activities and responding to equipment failures in the field.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze equipment malfunctions and production anomalies using troubleshooting techniques and diagnostic tools such as echometers and digital multimeters.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment status through written documentation and verbal communication with supervisors and team members.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Wellhead Pumpers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
17,350
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,110. 25th percentile: U.S. $54,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $70,010. 75th percentile: U.S. $80,720. 90th percentile: U.S. $97,470. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$39,110
10% of workers earn the following or more
$97,470
Workers on average earn
$70,070
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical3.7/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Administrative2.9/5
Chemistry2.8/5
Production and Processing2.8/5
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 Outlook
Microsoft Word
SAP software
Technology Skills
Moxa software
Operational databases
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
