Wellhead Pumpers
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-generatedKey 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
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
Tools & Equipment
- Air compressors
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Beam gas compressors
- Chemical injection pumps
- Circulating pumps
- Combination wrenches
- Crescent wrenches
- Dead weight testers