Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
O*NET 47-5013.00 · SOC 47-5013
Service Unit Operator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $58k a year with +1.1% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 3,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Operate equipment to perforate, acidize, or fracture oil wells.
- →Rig up and rig down service equipment at wellsite.
- →Pump cement into wells to seal casing in place.
- →Test wellhead pressure and valves during service operations.
- →Clean out sand or debris from wellbores using coiled tubing.
Education & How to Get In
Service Unit Operator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Service Unit Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Service Unit Operator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Service Unit Operator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas is projected to grow 1.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Service Unit Operator make?
The median Service Unit Operator earns $58k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Service Unit Operator jobs?
Our model puts Service Unit Operator at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Service Unit Operator a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 3,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Service Unit Operator?
Most Service Unit Operator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Service Unit Operator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Service Unit Operator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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