Career Profile

Wellhead Pumpers

What they do:

Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.

Also Called:

Field Operator, Lease Attendant, Lease Operator, Oilfield Plant Operator, Pumper, Well Field Technician, Well Head Pumper, Well Tender, Wellhead Pumper, Field Operator, Lease Attendant, Lease Operator, Oilfield Plant Operator, Pumper, Well Field Technician, Well Head Pumper, Well Tender, Wellhead Pumper
$45,090
Starting Salary (2025)
$75,860
Median Salary (2025)
-4.7%
Projected Job Growth
10,250
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Gauge oil and gas production.
Monitor pumps and flow lines for gas and fluid leaks.
Operate engines and pumps to shut off wells according to production schedules, and to switch flow of oil into storage tanks.
Monitor control panels during pumping operations to ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density, rate, and concentration.
Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

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?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Initiative
Self-Control
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Troubleshooting
Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical

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

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

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

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

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 80%
  • Post-secondary certificate 11%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • Less than high school 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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