Pump Operators

At a Glance

Control the transport of oil and gas between wells, tanks, and vehicles
Work alone most of the time
May work days, evenings, or weekends
Train on the job

Career summary

Pump operators control the transport of oil and natural gas between wells and storage tanks.

#No alternate titles CJ

Pump operators start the pumps and open the valves to move oil or natural gas. They watch meters and gauges that monitor the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of materials. Operators record the meter and gauge readings.

Pump operators adjust the pumps or other equipment when they see readings that indicate a problem. They record the adjustments they make and the meter and gauge readings.

Depending on the materials they work with, operators may add chemicals to storage tanks. They take samples of the materials to learn if the chemicals had the desired effect. They test the samples themselves or send them to labs for processing.

Pump operators maintain their pumps and other equipment. They do basic maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts. They may repair or replace broken parts. Some operators connect hoses or pipes to pumps or storage tanks.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Petroleum Supply Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to pump operators.

Read operating schedules or instructions to plan the movement of materials through equipment.
Operate engines and pumps to move oil or natural gas.
Open valves to allow liquids and gases to move through pipelines.
Watch meters and gauges to monitor temperature, pressure, and flow of materials.
Record data from gauges and meters.
Collect samples and send them to labs for analysis.
Adjust controls if gauges indicate problems.
Add chemicals to tanks if required for processing.
Connect hoses and pipes to pumps and vessels, using hand tools.
Clean, lubricate, adjust, and maintain equipment. May use hand tools for minor repairs.
Respond to problems by adjusting equipment or instructing employees to do so at other locations.
Submit reports on operations.
Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones.
Test materials and solutions, using testing equipment.

Common work activities

Pump operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Document and record information
Control machines and processes
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Make decisions and solve problems
Identify objects, actions, and events
Evaluate information against standards
Process information
Perform activities that use the whole body
Get information needed to do the job
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Use computers
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Handle and move objects
Teach others
Update and use job-related knowledge
Analyze data or information
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Schedule work and activities
Think creatively
Develop and build teams
Establish and maintain relationships

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, pump operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They talk to others primarily by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other operators and assistants.
Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Often work indoors to monitor equipment. Sometimes work outdoors when repairing equipment.
Wear protective and safety attire on a daily basis.
Sometimes wear ear protection, because they may be exposed to sounds and noise levels that are uncomfortable.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and situations.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
Are sometimes exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures while working outdoors.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment.
Are sometimes exposed to high places while trying to reach a specific work site.
May have to work in very bright or very dim lighting, depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
May travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
May work physically near others.

Work performance

Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause oil or natural gas leaks, which can harm the environment.
Often make decisions that affect customers, coworkers, and their company's reputation. They may seek input before making important decisions.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
Must match the pace of work with the speed of equipment.
Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work 40 hours per week.
May work days, evenings, or weekends to meet production schedules.

Physical demands

Pump operators frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for pump operators to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for pump operators to be able to:

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Determine the distance between objects.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Move arms and legs quickly.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Pump operators need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Understand written information.
Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Petroleum Technology

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a pump operator, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this occupation beyond high school.

Work experience

Any experience safely operating equipment can help you get a trainee position. Wellhead pumpers typically need one to five years of related work experience.

On-the-job training

Pump operators learn their skills on the job. You work closely with an experienced operator. You may begin as an assistant and help set up, dismantle, and service the equipment. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. The length of training varies by employer and the type of pump. Training can last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be petroleum supply specialists. Training lasts four to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require pump operators to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers look for applicants who can physically do the job. They prefer applicants who have mechanical skills.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators, for wellhead pumpers, or for pump operators (except wellhead pumpers).

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators (SOC 53-7071)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$19.34	$24.34	$31.35	$36.38	$39.64
	Monthly	$3,352	$4,218	$5,433	$6,305	$6,870
	Yearly	$40,220	$50,620	$65,210	$75,660	$82,450

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers (SOC 53-7072)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$19.98	$20.84	$22.24	$23.63	$24.47
	Monthly	$3,463	$3,612	$3,854	$4,095	$4,241
	Yearly	$41,560	$43,360	$46,250	$49,150	$50,890
United States	Hourly	$13.91	$16.70	$21.34	$27.89	$35.10
	Monthly	$2,411	$2,894	$3,698	$4,833	$6,083
	Yearly	$28,930	$34,740	$44,380	$58,000	$73,010

Wellhead pumpers (SOC 53-7073)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$15.04	$18.61	$25.72	$31.97	$38.43
	Monthly	$2,606	$3,225	$4,457	$5,540	$6,660
	Yearly	$31,280	$38,700	$53,490	$66,500	$79,930

Wages vary by specialty. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of responsibility and experience also affect wages.

Pump operators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators or for wellhead pumpers.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators (SOC 53-7071)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
United States	3,600	-2.8%	5.2%	400

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers (SOC 53-7072)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	89	4.5%	16.1%	11
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	16	6.3%	13.4%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	41	-2.4%	15.0%	4
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	25	4.0%	15.2%	3
United States	11,600	9.5%	5.2%	1,600

Wellhead Pumpers (SOC 53-7073)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
United States	14,400	-0.7%	5.2%	1,700

National employment

Major employers:

Oil and gas extraction companies
Mining companies
Pipeline operators
Chemical manufacturers
Natural gas distributors

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow slower than average. Demand has increased slightly as the US continues to look for ways to produce energy. There has been an increase in drilling for natural gas that has also led to some growth for pump operators.

Job openings will continue to occur as operators leave this occupation.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.