Service unit operators, oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5013Also known as:
Coiled Tubing Operator, Fishing Tool Operator, Gather Operator, Oil and Gas Equipment Operator, Oil and Gas Field Technician
Median Annual Salary
$57,980
+0.4% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
45K
Current Jobs
What Service unit operators, oil and gas Do
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.
💰 Salary
$57,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.4%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
45,200
Projected Employment (2034)
45,400
Related Careers
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Earth drillers, except oil and gas
$59,600 •
+2.9% growth
Roustabouts, oil and gas
$47,510 •
+2.5% growth
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
$97,540 •
-2.8% growth
Wellhead pumpers
$70,010 •
-4.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
- Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
- Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
- Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
- Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
- Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
- Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
- Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
- Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction.
- Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Service unit operators, oil and gas
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a service unit operators, oil and gas:
Mining Technology/Technician
29 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Service unit operators, oil and gas
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become service unit operators, oil and gas.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olney Central College | Olney, IL | 19 | C+ |
| 2 | Mountain Empire Community College | Big Stone Gap, VA | 5 | C+ |
| 3 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, AK | 5 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do service unit operators, oil and gas make?
The median annual salary for service unit operators, oil and gas is $57,980.
What education do service unit operators, oil and gas need?
Most service unit operators, oil and gas positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Mining Technology/Technician.
Is becoming service unit operators, oil and gas a good career choice?
Service unit operators, oil and gas is projected to see +0.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for service unit operators, oil and gas?
Top colleges for aspiring service unit operators, oil and gas include
Olney Central College, Mountain Empire Community College, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to service unit operators, oil and gas?
Service unit operators, oil and gas may also be known as: Coiled Tubing Operator, Fishing Tool Operator, Gather Operator, Oil and Gas Equipment Operator, Oil and Gas Field Technician, Oil and Shale and Tar Processing Technician, Oil Processing Technician, Oil Well Fishing Tool Technician, Oil Well Service Operator, Oil Well Service Unit Operator, Pulling Unit Operator, Reverse Unit Operator, Rig Operator, Service Operator, Service Rig Operator, Service Unit Operator, Shale Processing Technician, Spray Rig Operator, Swabber, Tar Processing Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.