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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 47-5013 Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining
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. Include fishing-tool technicians.
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: 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. Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads. 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. Close and seal wells no longer in use. Apply green technologies or techniques such as the use of coiled tubing, slim-hole drilling, horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, or gas lift systems.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $17.07   Entry $35,520.00
Mean $23.88   Mean $49,684.00
Experience $27.29 Experience $56,762.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
100120151.83
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
47-5013.00 Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining