Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Monitor pumps and flow lines for gas and fluid leaks.
Gauge oil and gas production.
Start compressor engines and divert oil from storage tanks into compressor units and auxiliary equipment to recover natural gas from oil.
Monitor control panels during pumping operations to ensure that materials are being pumped at the correct pressure, density, rate, and concentration.
Operate engines and pumps to shut off wells according to production schedules, and to switch flow of oil into storage tanks.
Top skills:Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingMonitoringJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Wellhead Pumper pay by experience level
Entry level$45,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$54,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$72,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$85,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$101,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-4.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,000
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Wellhead Pumper salary by industry
Oil and Gas Extraction
12,190 workers
$77,500
Oil and Gas Extraction
12,190 workers
$77,500
Support Activities for Mining
5,180 workers
$62,500
Support Activities for Mining
5,180 workers
$62,500
Utilities
50 workers
$59,500
Natural Gas Distribution
50 workers
$62,000
Pipeline Transportation
50 workers
$93,500
Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas
50 workers
$93,500
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction$65,500
Utility System Construction$65,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Wellhead Pumper pays 6% above the average across 53 roles in the Transportation and Material Moving job family (family average $69,000).
Similar-paying roles in Transportation and Material Moving
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