How To Become A Pipeline Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pipeline operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Pipeline operators are primarily responsible for managing the flow of oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuel materials that circulate through pipelines. These pipelines could be at a power plant or a refinery, or pipelines that run from state to state. A pipeline operator's duties include, but are not limited to, monitoring pump instruments and flow regulation, conducting routine inspections and maintenance of pipelines and related systems, supervising storage tanks, ensuring adherence to safety regulations, and collaborating with pipeline technicians.

Pipeline operators are generally found in the field, as opposed to in the office, and the role may demand a large amount of travel. They can work for a variety different industries supporting different facilities, including oil refineries, power plants, and gas and oil distribution facilities, and may also work as pump operators, gaugers, and gas operators.

Pipeline operators do not necessarily require an advanced degree, but should have some work experience and background in their specific area. Pipeline operators can earn up to $66,000 per year, and jobs in this field are expected to grow 9% by 2028.

ScorePipeline OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.6

Avg. Salary $46,175

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%

Asian 4.30%

Black or African American 9.78%

Hispanic or Latino 20.79%

Unknown 4.74%

White 59.57%

Gender

female 5.64%

male 94.36%

Age - 47

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 - 47

Stress level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pipeline operator

Explore pipeline operator education requirements

Most common pipeline operator degrees

High School Diploma

29.6 %

Bachelor's

27.8 %

Associate

25.9 %

Start to develop specific pipeline operator skills

Skills	Percentages
DOT	9.19%
Pipeline Operations	8.46%
Scrubbers	7.79%
Emergency Situations	7.04%
Dehydration	7.04%

Complete relevant pipeline operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pipeline operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pipeline operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pipeline operator resumes.

Research pipeline operator duties and responsibilities

Manage smart pig cleaning and maintenance schedule for all assign areas of responsibility.
Calibrate pressure switches on oil pipelines including relief valve systems.
Repair and rebuild pipeline valves, troubleshoot, repair and operate PLC.
Start up and shut down of gas compressors, troubleshoot compressor, keep daily logs of compressor readings.

Prepare your pipeline operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pipeline 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 pipeline 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 pipeline operator resume templates

Build a professional pipeline 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 pipeline operator resume.