Wellhead pumpers
SOC Code: 53-7073Also known as:
Field Operator, Gas Lease Pumper, Gas Well Pumper, Lease Attendant, Lease Operator
Median Annual Salary
$70,010
-4.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Wellhead pumpers Do
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
💰 Salary
$70,010
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
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)
18,800
Projected Employment (2034)
17,900
Related Careers
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Roustabouts, oil and gas
$47,510 •
+2.5% growth
Gas plant operators
$83,400 •
-8.8% growth
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
$97,540 •
-2.8% growth
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers
$60,020 •
+2.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor pumps and flow lines for gas and fluid leaks.
- Gauge oil and gas production.
- Start compressor engines and divert oil from storage tanks into compressor units and auxiliary equipment to recover natural gas from oil.
- Monitor control panels during pumping operations to ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density, rate, and concentration.
- Operate engines and pumps to shut off wells according to production schedules, and to switch flow of oil into storage tanks.
- Repair gas and oil meters and gauges.
- Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do wellhead pumpers make?
The median annual salary for wellhead pumpers is $70,010.
What education do wellhead pumpers need?
Most wellhead pumpers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming wellhead pumpers a good career choice?
Wellhead pumpers is projected to see -4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for wellhead pumpers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to wellhead pumpers?
Wellhead pumpers may also be known as: Field Operator, Gas Lease Pumper, Gas Well Pumper, Lease Attendant, Lease Operator, Oil Field Operator, Oil Field Plant Operator, Oil Field Pumper, Oil Field Technician, Oil Field Worker, Oil Pumper, Oil Well Pumper, Oil Well Service Operator, Oilfield Plant Operator, Pumper, Well Field Technician, Well Head Pumper, Well Tender, Wellhead Pumper.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.