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Energy

Wellhead Pumper

Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.

Annual openings

65

Median wage

$72,700

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

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.
Wellhead Pumpers complete repairs and maintain wellhead equipment.

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. Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
  2. Monitor pumps and flow lines for gas and fluid leaks.
  3. Gauge oil and gas production.
  4. Monitor control panels during pumping operations to ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density, rate, and concentration.
  5. Start compressor engines and divert oil from storage tanks into compressor units and auxiliary equipment to recover natural gas from oil.
  6. Repair gas and oil meters and gauges.
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