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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

Median wage

$60,290

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

-1%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

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

  1. Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
  2. Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
  3. Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
  4. Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
  5. Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
  6. Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
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