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Career Profile

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers

What they do:

Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.

Also Called:

Boom Pump Operator, Chemical Pumper, Day Light Relief Operator, Outside Operator, Pipeline Dispatch Operator, Pipeline Operator, Pump Operator, Pump Station Operator, Pumper, Tank Farm Operator, Boom Pump Operator, Chemical Pumper, Day Light Relief Operator, Outside Operator, Pipeline Dispatch Operator, Pipeline Operator, Pump Operator, Pump Station Operator, Pumper, Tank Farm Operator

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$40,660
Starting Salary (2025)
$61,770
Median Salary (2025)
2.6%
Projected Job Growth
2,110
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Read operating schedules or instructions or receive verbal orders to determine amounts to be pumped.
Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools.
Turn valves and start pumps to start or regulate flows of substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials.
Clean, lubricate, and repair pumps and vessels, using hand tools and equipment.
Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Independence
Dependability
Cooperation
Analytical Thinking
Achievement/Effort

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 61%
  • Bachelor's degree 18%
  • Some college 8%
  • Post-secondary certificate 8%
  • Associate's degree 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Wellhead Pumpers
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.