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What is a hydraulic operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a hydraulic operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.29 an hour? That's $33,890 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreHydraulic OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,890

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.21%

Asian 0.74%

Black or African American 4.36%

Hispanic or Latino 16.44%

Unknown 4.09%

White 72.15%

Gender

female 5.04%

male 94.96%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Key steps to become a hydraulic operator

  1. Explore hydraulic operator education requirements

    Most common hydraulic operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.2 %

    Bachelor's

    37.2 %

    Associate

    18.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific hydraulic operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Rig48.01%
    Pressure Test12.30%
    Operate Hydraulic6.94%
    Flow Rates5.65%
    Test Methods5.05%
  3. Research hydraulic operator duties and responsibilities

    • Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
    • Rig ups and rig downs require the use of a crane or forklift and sometimes both.
    • Recognize by supervisor for superior performance in cleaning and preparing Merrill hopper for FDA regulate testing.
    • Work with EOG milling out plugs with coil tubing using hydraulic chokes and plug catchers.
  4. Prepare your hydraulic operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hydraulic operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hydraulic operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable hydraulic operator resume templates

    Build a professional hydraulic operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your hydraulic operator resume.
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
    Hydraulic Operator Resume
  5. Apply for hydraulic operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a hydraulic operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first hydraulic operator job

Zippi

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Average hydraulic operator salary

The average hydraulic operator salary in the United States is $33,890 per year or $16 per hour. Hydraulic operator salaries range between $14,000 and $78,000 per year.

Average hydraulic operator salary
$33,890 Yearly
$16.29 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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