Lease operator vs field operator

The differences between lease operators and field operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a lease operator and a field operator. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $25,625 average annual salary of a lease operator.

The top three skills for a lease operator include OTR, CDL and tractor trailer. The most important skills for a field operator are CDL, hand tools, and end loaders.

Lease operator vs field operator overview

	Lease Operator	Field Operator
Yearly salary	$25,625	$42,202
Hourly rate	$12.32	$20.29
Growth rate	-7%	5%
Number of jobs	33,754	81,407
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

What does a lease operator do?

A lease operator is responsible for inspecting the efficiency and optimal performance of equipment and machinery and measuring the oil from the operation of the wells. Lease operators report the inconsistencies and failures of the equipment for immediate repair and replacement to avoid delays and prevent potential hazards. They ensure that the extraction process adheres to strict protocols and environmental regulations. A lease operator must have comprehensive knowledge of computer systems, especially on reporting the amount of natural oil and gas digitally.

What does a field operator do?

A field operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery and resolve operational system failures. Field operators analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble machine components and secure its performance stability. They also upgrade parts and systems and recommend cost-reduction resources from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A field operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform troubleshooting procedures, adhering to safety procedures, and following guidelines to prevent operational hazards and manufacturing delays.

Lease operator vs field operator salary

Lease operators and field operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Lease Operator	Field Operator
Average salary	$25,625	$42,202
Salary range	Between $5,000 And $109,000	Between $29,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between lease operator and field operator education

There are a few differences between a lease operator and a field operator in terms of educational background:

	Lease Operator	Field Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Lease operator vs field operator demographics

Here are the differences between lease operators' and field operators' demographics:

	Lease Operator	Field Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 1.2% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%	Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 1.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between lease operator and field operator duties and responsibilities

Lease operator example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
Perform, supervise, and manage explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations.
Manage smart pig cleaning and maintenance schedule for all assign areas of responsibility.
Submit daily production reports using eVin data entry program, and various other reports as needed.
Perform field activities on the pipeline facilities including: corrosion control, dehydration, measurement, and overall system integrity.
Enter daily production values into EVIN.

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Field operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
Check through equipment such as contact weight bars, quick changes, cdl.
Train in FRAC and cement work.
Position require CDL and handling of radioactive sources.
Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
rebuild and repack pumps re-dress bop stacks pump fluids and nitrogen

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Lease operator vs field operator skills

Common lease operator skills

OTR, 13%
CDL, 11%
Tractor Trailer, 9%
Production Equipment, 9%
Oil Gas, 4%
Mechanical Problems, 4%

Common field operator skills

CDL, 15%
Hand Tools, 7%
End Loaders, 7%
Hazmat, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%

Lease Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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