What is the salary of a Service Unit Operator, Oil and Gas?

The typical salary range is $40,586 - $81,172 per year.

ConstructionStable

Service Unit Operator, Oil and Gas

Operational-level

Also known as: Coiled Tubing Operator, Fishing Tool Operator, Gather Operator, Oil and Gas Equipment Operator

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Oil and GasWell ServicingDrilling OperationsPetroleum EngineeringHeavy Equipment OperationIndustrial OperationsConstructionBuildingSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word SAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+1.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

43,800

in 2025 → 44,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Ouvrier de chantier pétrolier
Roustabout
Aide-foreur

Service Unit Operator, Oil and Gas

Where it can lead

Superviseur des services de puits
Ingénieur pétrolier
Chef de forage

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly automate routine tasks like equipment monitoring and diagnostics in oil and gas service units. Operators will transition to overseeing intelligent systems, analyzing data for predictive maintenance, and managing more complex, less predictable interventions. This requires adapting to new digital tools and advanced analytics.

Salary

$58,160

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position