How much does a pump operator make?
Answer: A typical pump operator in the United States makes $61,770 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 10,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Pump operator pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $64,110 | about 1,000 |
| Texas | $61,770 | about 2,000 |
| Florida | $59,120 | about 510 |
| California | $57,660 | about 1,000 |
| Oregon | $54,540 | about 630 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a pump operator do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some pump operators move powdered materials and slurries—not just water or oil—through pump systems.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Transportation and Material Moving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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