Occupation information for

Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. May also perform similar services in mining exploration operations. Includes fishing-tool technicians.

Currently Employed: 40,700

Yearly Projected Openings: 1,210

Typical Hourly Wage: $15.85 - $25.13

Typical Annual Salary: $33,000 - $52,300

• Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
• Observe load variations on strain gauges, mud pumps, and motor pressure indicators; and listen to engines, rotary chains, and other equipment in order to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
• Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
• Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
• Direct drilling crews performing activities such as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, or drilling around lodged obstacles.
• Perforate well casings or sidewalls of boreholes with explosive charges.
• Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
• Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
• Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
• Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.

• Hoists
• Pipe handling equipment
• Screwdrivers
• Slickline chemical cutters
• Slickline jet cutters

• Analytical or scientific software
• Facilities management software
• Industrial control software
• Inventory management software
• Time accounting software