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Job outlook for field operations technicians in the United States
Field operations technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected field operations technician job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 700 new jobs for field operations technicians are projected over the next decade.
Field operations technician salaries have increased 1% for field operations technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,547 field operations technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 122,864 active field operations technician job openings in the US.
The average field operations technician salary is $38,663.
Are field operations technician jobs in demand?
Field operations technician job and salary trends over time
Field operations technician jobs over time
Field operations technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,547 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,432 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,826 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,116 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,442 | 0.00% |
Average field operations technician salary over time
Field operations technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $38,663 | $18.59 | +3.9% |
| 2025 | $37,225 | $17.90 | --1.5% |
| 2024 | $37,783 | $18.17 | --0.3% |
| 2023 | $37,913 | $18.23 | --1.1% |
| 2022 | $38,353 | $18.44 | +2.8% |
Field operations technician jobs by state
Most common states for field operations technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 428 | 32% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 331 | 32% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 220 | 30% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 175 | 30% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,630 | 29% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 382 | 29% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 833 | 27% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 499 | 26% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 767 | 24% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 210 | 24% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,403 | 23% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,376 | 23% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 396 | 23% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,609 | 22% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,472 | 22% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 168 | 22% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 602 | 21% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 148 | 21% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,246 | 20% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 408 | 20% |
Most common cities for field operations technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manhattan | 2 | 4% | $35,252 |
| 2 | Tamarac | 2 | 3% | $32,488 |
| 3 | Lawrenceville | 1 | 3% | $30,377 |
| 4 | Apopka | 1 | 2% | $33,114 |
| 5 | Enfield | 1 | 2% | $38,256 |
| 6 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $44,039 |
| 7 | South Bend | 1 | 1% | $40,763 |
| 8 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $43,152 |
| 9 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $43,550 |
| 10 | Fort Wayne | 1 | 0% | $40,631 |
| 11 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $39,763 |
Field Operations Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field operations technician experts
University of Missouri - Kansas City
State University of New York, Canton
Central Washington University
What general advice would you give to a Field Operations Technician?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: Some common challenges for field based positions is the amount of travel involved or working in extreme weather conditions.
What Field Operations Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: Field tech positions are common at entry level for geologists. The work can involve multiple field days per week, and report writing. Depending on the employer specialty field techs can be focused on water or soil sampling. This can involve digging, hiking short distances, and always some level of commute to field sites within the areas covered by the company. Field techs frequently work in pairs or small teams. There is typically a period of training after being hired before being sent out in the field focusing on safety and the specific analyses or sampling expected for the project.
What will help Field Operations Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alison Graettinger: The demand for geology field engineers/techs is pretty constant. This is also a great way to get your foot in the door to a company and learn about how the company is structured and paths for advancement.
Yilei Shi Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorState University of New York, Canton
Canino School of Engineering Technology
What technical skills for a Field Operations Technician stand out to employers?
Yilei Shi Ph.D.: Hands-on testing experiences and computer skills, including professional software skills, caught up on eyes to employers.
What's a good job out of college for Field Operations Technicians?
Yilei Shi Ph.D.: It depends. I have heard some summer interns at consulting firms were accommodated with totally remote internships in summer 2020. Current employees, including new hires, mostly work at home if work allows. For construction industry, employees will go to actual job sites every day.
Greg Lyman
Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Electronics Engineering TechnologyCentral Washington University
Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
What type of skills will young Field Operations Technicians need?
Greg Lyman: Automation, control, networking and soft skills like communication - being responsive to internal and external customers, working in teams, and oral and written presentation skills.
What experience really stands out on Field Operations Technician resumes?
Greg Lyman: -Internships at technology or manufacturing are the best and past experiences where graduates can show they are reliable and responsible.
-Extracurricular activities such as involvement with student clubs, volunteer activities, etc.