EnergyGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.
Service Unit Operator
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.
Annual openings
221
BLS median wage
$60,290
Typical education
High school (GED)
10-year growth
-1%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED)
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Work experience
Short-term on-the-job training and experience is expected.
Once a well is producing, efforts focus on increasing or maximizing how much it is producing, refining and improving operational efficiency.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical day
- Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
- Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
- Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
- Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
- Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
- Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.