Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas to increase by 1.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 43,800 to 44,300 jobs. Its estimate of 3,800 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($58,160), education (No formal educational credential), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
43,800
Projected employment (2034)
44,300
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
3,800
Pay & Preparation
$58,160
No formal educational credential
Less than 5 years
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4/5) • Operation and Control (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.62/5) • Active Listening (3.38/5) • Troubleshooting (3.38/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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