How much does a wellhead pumper make?
a year · about $34 an hour
A typical wellhead pumper in the United States makes $69,960 a year, about $34 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some wellhead pumpers inspect equipment with drones—and 97% report working outdoors in all kinds of weather every day.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,100 and $98,170How do you become one?
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.
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 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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in North Dakota ($79,820), lowest in Pennsylvania ($45,490).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,100 | $69,960 | $98,170 | about 18,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $79,820 | about 2,000 |
| New Mexico | $78,010 | about 1,000 |
| Louisiana | $76,930 | about 110 |
| Texas | $75,860 | about 10,000 |
| Colorado | $72,700 | about 370 |
Official definition: Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
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