Pipeline operator vs lease operator

The differences between pipeline operators and lease 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 pipeline operator and a lease operator. Additionally, a pipeline operator has an average salary of $46,175, which is higher than the $25,625 average annual salary of a lease operator.

The top three skills for a pipeline operator include DOT, pipeline operations and scrubbers. The most important skills for a lease operator are OTR, CDL, and tractor trailer.

Pipeline operator vs lease operator overview

	Pipeline Operator	Lease Operator
Yearly salary	$46,175	$25,625
Hourly rate	$22.20	$12.32
Growth rate	9%	-7%
Number of jobs	30,609	33,754
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	47	40
Years of experience	2	2

What does a pipeline operator do?

The job of a pipeline operator is to control the flow of gas, oil, and other materials being sent through pipelines at refineries or power plants. Your day-to-day duties typically include conducting routine inspections and maintenance of the pipeline systems, training new staff members on procedures and policies, and operating petroleum processing or refining units. In addition, you will be responsible for gauging oil in storage tanks, controlling pumping systems, and regulating oil flow into pipelines.

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.

Pipeline operator vs lease operator salary

Pipeline operators and lease operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pipeline Operator	Lease Operator
Average salary	$46,175	$25,625
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $68,000	Between $5,000 And $109,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between pipeline operator and lease operator education

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

	Pipeline Operator	Lease Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Pipeline operator vs lease operator demographics

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

	Pipeline Operator	Lease Operator
Average age	47	40
Gender ratio	Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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%
LGBT Percentage	11%	2%

Differences between pipeline operator and lease operator duties and responsibilities

Pipeline operator example 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.
Contribute to the distillation of crude oil through high temperature fractional distillation and ensure safe and reliable operations are perform.
Used Scada resources on a daily basis.

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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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Pipeline operator vs lease operator skills

Common pipeline operator skills

DOT, 9%
Pipeline Operations, 8%
Scrubbers, 8%
Emergency Situations, 7%
Dehydration, 7%
Cathodic Protection, 6%

Common lease operator skills

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

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Updated January 8, 2025

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