How much does a wellhead pumper make?
Answer: A typical wellhead pumper in the United States makes $69,960 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 18,000 people work in this job. Well above 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
Wellhead pumper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,100 | $69,960 | $98,170 | about 18,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $79,820 | about 2,000 |
| Texas | $75,860 | about 10,000 |
| Kansas | $62,400 | about 620 |
| Oklahoma | $61,380 | about 770 |
| West Virginia | $52,170 | about 660 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay differs by location and employer industry, such as oil-and-gas production versus mining support. More experience and mechanical know-how can help someone take on more responsibility, so the work an employer needs can matter too.
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 wellhead pumper do?
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
What's a typical day like?
They drive between well sites, check pumps and pipes for leaks, measure oil and gas, and watch control panels. They may adjust or shut off pumps, repair gauges, and do routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
How to get this job
Most U.S. wellhead pumpers finish high school or earn a GED, then apply for an entry-level field job; a college degree usually isn't needed. They learn on the job, which can take a few days to a year; related experience can help.
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 wellhead pumpers inspect equipment with drones—and 97% report working outdoors in all kinds of weather every day.
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/53-7073.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/53-7073.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes537073.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/53-7073.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY