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Pump operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, pump operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for pump operators is high school diploma with 51% graduates, with only 17% pump operator graduates earning associate degree. Pump operators who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Louisiana at Lafayette or South Texas College. Some good skills to have in this position include cdl, preventative maintenance and equipment inspections.

Popular pump operator certifications include Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve pump operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in pump operator education paths.

What education do you need to become a pump operator?

What degree do you need to be a pump operator?

The most common degree for pump operators is high school diploma, with 51% of pump operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 17% and associate degree degree at 16%.
  • High School Diploma, 51%
  • Associate, 17%
  • Bachelor's, 16%
  • Diploma, 9%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a pump operator?

You should major in business to become a pump operator. 19% of pump operators major in business. Other common majors for a pump operator include general studies and criminal justice.

Best majors for pump operators

20 best online courses for pump operators

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1. Rotating Equipment Masterclass: Pumps & Compressors

udemy
4.6
(305)

A compelete understanding of pumps & compressors used in process industries for a successful operation of your facility...

2. Centrifugal pumps: Principles , Operation and Design

udemy
4.3
(1,091)

A complete understanding of construction details and functioning of centrifugal pumps for successful plant operation...

3. Flow of fluids through piping systems , valves and pumps

udemy
4.3
(883)

Learn to size valves & piping systems, calculate pressure drop, flow of liquids & gases through pipe , fittings & valves...

4. Pump and Motor Basics, Selection and Optimization

udemy
4.5
(266)

Learn how to do selection for pump and motor from the working principles and fundamentals of fluid mechanics...

5. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS

udemy
4.5
(783)

Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...

6. Unit Operations in Chemical Engineering

udemy
4.4
(711)

Learn the most important Unit Operations in Chemical Plants...

7. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

udemy
4.5
(1,881)

Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

8. Smartgrid, Microgrid and Energy Storage

udemy
4.3
(273)

Smartgrid, Microgrid, its feature, benefit and Energy Storage (Pump Storage Unit, Battery Storage)...

9. Functional Safety for Safety Instrumented Systems

udemy
4.1
(263)

The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...

10. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning

udemy
4.4
(1,467)

Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...

11. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings

udemy
4.5
(958)

A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

12. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert

udemy
4.3
(484)

Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...

13. Complete Solar Energy Design Course From Zero To Hero

udemy
4.5
(2,110)

The Most Comprehensive and Detailed Course on Designing Off-grid, On-grid, and Solar Water Pumping Systems for Beginners...

14. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System

udemy
4.4
(976)

Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...

15. Fun food safety and sanitation course

udemy
4.6
(539)

The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...

16. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY

udemy
4.4
(252)

Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...

17. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2

udemy
4.4
(355)

A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

18. Occupational Health & Safety Training

udemy
4.4
(1,198)

Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...

19. Basic Fire Safety Awareness

udemy
4.3
(776)

Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...

20. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

udemy
4.5
(2,583)

Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

Average pump operator salary by education level

Pump operator education levelPump operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$40,871

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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