Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers

SOC code 53-7072 · O*NET-SOC 53-7072.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$61,770

a year

Hourly

$29.70

per hour

10th$39,420Median$61,77090th$91,820

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$63,960

$30.75 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,560 – $77,210

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,420 – $91,820

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

9,780

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $39,420; $18.95/hr
25th percentile: $47,560; $22.86/hr
Median percentile: $61,770; $29.70/hr
75th percentile: $77,210; $37.12/hr
90th percentile: $91,820; $44.14/hr

What do pump operators, except wellhead pumpers 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor gauges and flowmeters and inspect equipment to ensure that tank levels, temperatures, chemical amounts, and pressures are at specified levels, reporting abnormalities as necessary.
Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, stocks used, gauging results, and operating times.
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of interconnections and capacities of pipelines, valve manifolds, pumps, and tankage.
Turn valves and start pumps to start or regulate flows of substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials.
Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.
Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools.
Tend vessels that store substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials, checking levels of substances by using calibrated rods or by reading mercury gauges and tank charts.
Clean, lubricate, and repair pumps and vessels, using hand tools and equipment.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)61%
Bachelor's Degree18%
Some College Courses8%
Post-Secondary Certificate8%

Common questions

How much does a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers earn?

The national median is $61,770 a year. The full range runs from $39,420 at the 10th percentile to $91,820 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.4/5
Mechanical3.3/5
English Language3.3/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Troubleshooting, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.