CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers

Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
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Median pay

$60,020
Median annual pay for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

13,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Perceptual Speed
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Control Precision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  4. 4Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • Monitor gauges and flowmeters and inspect equipment to ensure that tank levels, temperatures, chemical amounts, and pressures are at specified levels, reporting abnormalities as necessary.
  • Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, stocks used, gauging results, and operating times.
  • Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of interconnections and capacities of pipelines, valve manifolds, pumps, and tankage.
  • Turn valves and start pumps to start or regulate flows of substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials.
  • Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.
  • Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools.
  • Tend vessels that store substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials, checking levels of substances by using calibrated rods or by reading mercury gauges and tank charts.
  • Clean, lubricate, and repair pumps and vessels, using hand tools and equipment.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Word · hot technologyComputerized maintenance management system CMMSOperational databasesSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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