Jobs / Physical work / 47-5013.00

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.

US jobs
43,140
Median wage
$58,160 a year
Job family
Physical work

Can agents do the work of service unit operators, oil and gas?

We read the evidence at the level of the job family, Physical work:

  • Task levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.
  • Project levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.

Unexplored territory

No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
  • Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil.
  • Drive truck-mounted units to well sites.
  • Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction.
  • Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools.
  • Select fishing methods or tools for removing obstacles such as liners, broken casing, screens, or drill pipe.
  • Close and seal wells no longer in use.
Other job titles for this occupation (30)

Pulling Unit Operator · Reverse Unit Operator · Rig Operator · Service Operator · Service Rig Operator · Tool Pusher · Well Servicing Rig Operator · Wireline Operator · Coiled Tubing Operator · Fishing Tool Operator · Gather Operator · Oil and Gas Equipment Operator · Oil and Gas Field Technician · Oil and Shale and Tar Processing Technician · Oil Processing Technician · Oil Well Fishing Tool Technician · Oil Well Service Operator · Oil Well Service Unit Operator · Service Unit Operator · Shale Processing Technician · Spray Rig Operator · Swabber · Tar Processing Technician · Unit Operator · Well Cleaner · Well Service Pump Equipment Operator · Well Service Rig Operator · Well Services Operator · Well Servicing Rig Hand · Work Over Rig Operator