All About Pump Operators
Pump Operator Example 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.
List of Pump Operator Job Duties
- Pump two or more materials into one tank to blend mixtures.
- Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools.
- Test materials and solutions, using testing equipment.
- Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, stocks used, gauging results, and operating times.
- Tend auxiliary equipment such as water treatment and refrigeration units, and heat exchangers.
- Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.
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Skills Needed to be a Pump Operator
These are the skills Pump Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Related Job Titles
- Concrete Boom Pump Operator
- Still Pump Operator
- Pipeline Operator
- Logistics Technician
- Fuel Distribution System Operator
Job Demand for Pump Operators
In the United States, there were 11,900 jobs for Pump Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Pump Operator by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,700 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Pump Operator are North Dakota, Idaho, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, North Carolina, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Pump Operator Make?
The salary for Pump Operators ranges between about $28,930 and $73,010 a year.

Pump Operators who work in Indiana, California, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pump Operators make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $54,960 |
Alaska | $52,990 |
Arizona | $51,260 |
California | $54,750 |
Colorado | $46,580 |
Florida | $43,530 |
Georgia | $45,010 |
Illinois | $53,050 |
Indiana | $55,230 |
Kansas | $37,260 |
Kentucky | $47,260 |
Louisiana | $50,270 |
Michigan | $47,440 |
Minnesota | $50,350 |
Mississippi | $40,590 |
Missouri | $38,160 |
Montana | $50,950 |
Nebraska | $33,470 |
New Hampshire | $50,410 |
New Jersey | $47,230 |
North Dakota | $45,540 |
Ohio | $42,550 |
Oklahoma | $46,510 |
Oregon | $48,950 |
Pennsylvania | $42,370 |
Texas | $44,230 |
Utah | $53,060 |
Washington | $45,670 |
West Virginia | $50,010 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pump Operators
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pump Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Becoming a Pump Operator
Are there Pump Operators education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Pump Operator?

Where do Pump Operators Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Career changers with experience as a Pump Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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