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Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.
Other titles employers use
Pulling Unit Operator · Reverse Unit Operator · Rig Operator · Service Operator · Service Rig Operator · Tool Pusher · Well Servicing Rig Operator · Wireline Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.
- Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
- Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions.
- Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes.
- Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads.
- Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Near Vision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.2 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 4.3 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Document management software
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Facilities management software
- Analytical or scientific software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 16,570
- Job openings each year
- 1,740
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 7.9%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 16,570 | 1,740 | 7.9% |
| California | 3,500 | 320 | −14.6% |
| North Dakota | 3,340 | 360 | 18.4% |
| Oklahoma | 3,200 | 340 | 8.1% |
| Colorado | 3,110 | 350 | 26.4% |
| Louisiana | 2,180 | 220 | −3.1% |
| New Mexico | 2,140 | 230 | 20.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 1,650 | 170 | −2.4% |
| Alaska | 1,580 | 180 | 33.9% |
| Michigan | 920 | 100 | 5.7% |
| Wyoming | 910 | 100 | 7.1% |
| Kansas | 530 | 50 | −10.2% |
| Utah | 530 | 60 | 15.2% |
| West Virginia | 530 | 60 | 15.2% |
| Illinois | 470 | 50 | 6.8% |
| Ohio | 350 | 30 | 2.9% |
| Arkansas | 290 | 30 | −9.4% |
| Mississippi | 220 | 20 | 10.0% |
| Alabama | 180 | 20 | 5.9% |
| Kentucky | 120 | 10 | −7.7% |
| Montana | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Indiana | 80 | 10 | — |
| Arizona | 60 | 10 | — |
| Florida | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Idaho | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Nebraska | 40 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.