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Also known as: Coiled Tubing Operator, Fishing Tool Operator, Gather Operator, Oil and Gas Equipment Operator
The pre-dawn light barely touches the West Texas oilfield as your truck rumbles onto the gravel access road. You pull on your FR clothing, hard hat, and safety glasses, the familiar weight a reminder of the day ahead. At the site, you greet your lead operator, Mark, who's already reviewing the day's well stimulation plan for an aging production well. You walk a quick perimeter check of the service rig, noting the diesel engine's hum and the frosty dew on the hydraulic lines.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+1.1%
US average: +3.5%
3,800
per year (US)
43,800
in 2025 → 44,300 (2035)
No formal educational credential
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
This career has a stable outlook through 2035, with about 3,800 job openings expected each year. The median annual wage is around $58,160. With experience, you can move into roles like a Well Services Supervisor or pursue further education to become a Petroleum Engineer.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$58,160
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Petroleum Engineering
Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years
Electrician
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Construction Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Installation Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Architecture
Vocational • Design & Architecture • 4 years
Construction Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years