Oil & Gas Service Unit Operator | Explore this Career

What Oil & Gas Service Unit Operators DoOperate 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.

Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.

Oil & Gas Service Unit Operators Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationNone

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings4,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$66,060 in California

$57,980 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension

Go Deeper: Oil & Gas Service Unit Operators Explained

Oil & Gas Service Unit OperatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

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Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

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What Is the Building & Distribution Industry?

Building & DistributionThe primary activities of this group involve constructing, installing, repairing, and maintaining physical infrastructure, producing goods and materials, and transporting people and products from one location to another.