How much does a pump operator make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical pump operator in the United States makes $61,770 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read instructions, connect hoses, open valves, and start pumps while watching gauges and tank levels. They radio coworkers, record what moved, then clean or lubricate the equipment.
Did you know? Some pump operators move powdered materials and slurries—not just water or oil—through pump systems.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,420 and $91,820How do you become one?
Most start with a high school diploma or GED and learn the equipment on the job. Some public pump-station trainee jobs require applicants to be 18, and water or wastewater jobs may need state certification.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, the employer and industry, and location. Special pump systems, state certification for some water jobs, and longer hours or overtime can also affect earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Illinois ($92,310), lowest in Missouri ($44,650).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,420 | $61,770 | $91,820 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $92,310 | about 50 |
| North Dakota | $81,400 | about 70 |
| Alaska | $80,210 | about 120 |
| Wyoming | $77,820 | about 290 |
| Connecticut | $71,890 | about 30 |
Official definition: Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-7072.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes537072.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/53-7072.00
- www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-03/documents/summary_of_state_operator_cert
- www.governmentjobs.com/careers/crwwd/jobs/newprint/5135167
- www.irrc.state.pa.us/docs/2774/AGENCY/2774PRO.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY