Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Guide 2025: $58,160 Median, How to Start & Career Outlook
Service unit operators, oil and gas — the workers who operate equipment to service oil and gas wells — earn a median annual salary of $58,160, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean wage is $62,470, roughly $28 per hour. Pay ranges widely: the lowest 10% earn about $38,940, while the top 10% bring in $97,560 or more.
How much Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas earn
The national median for this occupation is $58,160 per year, with a mean hourly wage of $28. The BLS estimates that 43,140 people work in this role across the U.S. Typical pay for the middle 50% falls between about $38,940 and $97,560, meaning top earners can make nearly $100,000 annually. Overtime is common in oil fields, which can boost take-home pay significantly.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. Alaska tops the list, paying a mean of $106,480 — nearly double the national average. Missouri ($90,580), Montana ($77,750), New Mexico ($64,990), and Nebraska ($62,990) also pay well above the median. On the lower end, New York ($45,750), Illinois ($41,680), and Kentucky ($28,280) offer much less, likely due to fewer active drilling sites or coal-heavy energy sectors.
How to become Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. While no formal postsecondary education is mandatory, vocational training in oil and gas operations or heavy equipment operation can help. On-the-job training is the primary path: new hires learn from experienced operators over weeks or months. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often needed to operate heavy trucks that haul equipment. Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in remote locations are essential.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Obtain a CDL if required by the employer.
- Complete on-the-job training (typically several months).
- Consider a technical certificate in oil field operations.
- Pass drug tests and safety training (OSHA).
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for service unit operators to grow only 0.4% from 2024 to 2034 — much slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 4,100 job openings per year, primarily to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Automation and shifts toward renewable energy are likely limiting growth, but the need to maintain existing oil and gas wells keeps demand steady.
Frequently asked questions
What does a service unit operator do in oil and gas?
They operate equipment to clean, maintain, and service oil and gas wells, including pumping tools, cementing units, and other downhole tools.
Do you need a degree to become a service unit operator?
No. A high school diploma is typically required, along with on-the-job training. A CDL and safety certifications are common requirements.
What is the highest-paying state for service unit operators?
Alaska, with a mean annual wage of $106,480, is the top-paying state, followed by Missouri ($90,580) and Montana ($77,750).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas data.