# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5013.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Pulling Unit Operator
- Rig Operator
- Service Operator
- Service Rig Operator
- Reverse Unit Operator
- Tool Pusher
- Well Servicing Rig Operator
- Wireline Operator
- Coiled Tubing Operator
- Fishing Tool Operator
- Gather Operator
- Oil Processing Technician

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Listen to engines, rotary chains, or other equipment to detect faulty operations or unusual well conditions. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Prepare reports of services rendered, tools used, or time required, for billing purposes. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.o |
| Install pressure-control devices onto wellheads. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.aq |
| Direct drilling crews performing activities such as assembling and connecting pipe, applying weights to drill pipes, or drilling around lodged obstacles. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Confer with others to gather information regarding pipe or tool sizes or borehole conditions in wells. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Operate pumps that circulate water, oil, or other fluids through wells to remove sand or other materials obstructing the free flow of oil. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Drive truck-mounted units to well sites. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Thread cables through derrick pulleys, using hand tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Select fishing methods or tools for removing obstacles such as liners, broken casing, screens, or drill pipe. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Maintain and perform safety inspections on rigs, equipment, and other tools. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Apply new technologies to improve work processes. | 4.A.2.b.1.i |
| Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Maintain extraction or excavation equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Monitor extraction operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Install plumbing or piping. | 4.A.3.a.2.aq |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Operate pumps or compressors. | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Direct construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Operate detonation equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Prepare operational reports. | 4.A.3.b.6.o |
| Select construction equipment. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Measure work site dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.05 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 4 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.85 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.75 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.68 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.5 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 3.37 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.25 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.25 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.21 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.15 |
| Sales and Marketing | knowledge | 3.14 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 3.14 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.12 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.12 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Document management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| Computerized maintenance management system CMMS | Facilities management software | no | no |
| Data logger software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Time and attendance software | Time accounting software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 5 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.97 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.88 |
| Contact With Others | 4.83 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.77 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.69 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.67 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.66 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.63 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.61 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.58 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.58 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.54 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.35 |
| Time Pressure | 4.35 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.3 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.26 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.25 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.25 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 4.23 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.16 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.16 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.15 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 4.12 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 4.09 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 4.07 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.07 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.02 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.97 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.94 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.93 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.88 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.86 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.78 |
| Level of Competition | 3.71 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.57 |
| Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles | 3.43 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.35 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.19 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 3.14 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution


## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.91 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 5.34 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 5.27 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.07 |
| Dependability | work_style | 4 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.64 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 3 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.58 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.47 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 2.06 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.82 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.77 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.76 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.62 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-5012.00 | role-47-5012-00 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5071.00 | role-47-5071-00 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 53-7073.00 | role-53-7073-00 | Wellhead Pumpers | Primary-Short |
| 51-8093.00 | role-51-8093-00 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7072.00 | role-53-7072-00 | Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | Primary-Long |
| 51-8092.00 | role-51-8092-00 | Gas Plant Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7071.00 | role-53-7071-00 | Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-8013.00 | role-51-8013-00 | Power Plant Operators | Primary-Long |
| 49-9041.00 | role-49-9041-00 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | Supplemental |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | engineering-engineering-related-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 57980
- **Mean Wage:** 61530
- **Pct10Wage:** 40010
- **Pct25Wage:** 47330
- **Pct75Wage:** 70510
- **Pct90Wage:** 93820
- **Employment:** 44120
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 39640 | 57450 | 241.56 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 1600 | 59830 | 2.36 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1060 | 48610 | 0.29 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 610 | 79150 | 3.68 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 320 | 66690 | 0.19 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 170 | 62800 | 0.06 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 60 | 62800 |  |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 40 | 63810 |  |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector |  | 85790 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector |  | 50570 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry |  | 50570 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 39640 | 241.56 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 610 | 3.68 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 1600 | 2.36 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1060 | 0.29 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 320 | 0.19 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 170 | 0.06 |
- **Count:** 11

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.93 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.971916 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.758486 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.068201 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 14
- **Percentile:** 10
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 18 | felten_aioe |
| 9 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 14 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.971916 | 18 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.06451612903225806 | 9 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.059232697704578674 | 14 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.93
- **Percentile:** 84
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.06451612903225806
- **Beta:** 0.06451612903225806
- **Gamma:** 0.06451612903225806

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interpret instrument readings to ascertain the depth of obstruction. | 0.020438849837105446 | 4.09 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 28
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 4.1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 44
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 45.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 45.4

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 19
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 11
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 9264e5324a3d5fec