How to become wellhead pumperseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$69,960

25th–75th pct. $52,330–$82,200

Top pay (est.)

$127,600

Top 10% $98,170

Pay in 5 years

$80,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$91,900est.

$79,000–$106,600

Outlook score

46/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

42%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

−2.0%

1,700 openings / yr

How to become wellhead pumpers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Wellhead Pumpers

Key skills

Operation and Control

3.9

Operations Monitoring

3.9

Repairing

3.8

Equipment Maintenance

3.2

Monitoring

3.2

Speaking

3.0

Troubleshooting

3.0

Critical Thinking

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical

4.3

Chemistry

3.3

Mathematics

3.2

Computers and Electronics

3.0

Administrative

2.9

Building and Construction

2.8

Engineering and Technology

2.6

Public Safety and Security

2.5

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProcessing InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Control PrecisionReaction TimePerceptual SpeedMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

High school diploma

80%

Post-secondary certificate

11%

Associate's degree

Less than high school

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

35%

1–3 months

27%

6–12 months

25%

3–6 months

12%

Related work experience

3–6 months

15%

4–6 years

11%

8–10 years

11%

6–12 months

2–4 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as wellhead pumpers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor.	$40,240	45/100	33%
2	Stockers and Order Fillers Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders.	$37,330	61/100	35%
3	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory.	$45,260	25/100	54%
4	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.	$46,420	43/100	30%
5	Packers and Packagers, Hand Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.	$36,280	33/100	38%
6	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.	$59,650	34/100	70%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.