How to hire a pump operator

How to hire a pump operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pump operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a pump operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pump operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The pump operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A pump operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pump operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of pump operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Pump Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Pump Operator		$14-27
   Field Operator	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... Show more	$13-28
   Equipment Operator	Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Equipment Inspections
   • Safety Rules
   • Pump Truck
   • Hazmat
   • Pump Operations
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Rail Cars
   • Pump Equipment
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Industrial Cleaning
   • Fluid Pump
   • General Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Learned and accomplish CDL at job make good career.
   • Manage HDD drilling unit, logging permit, transportation and laboratory analysis.
   • Set up concrete pump, operate boom, manage all aspects of vehicle safety and pump operations including concrete quality assurance.
   • Operate commercial vehicles with/ without Hazmat regulate loads and triplex pumps.
   • Well acquaint with MSDS's.
   • Train in safety and Hazmat requirements.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your pump operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A pump operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, pump operators' average salary in maine is 42% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pump operators 48% less than senior-level pump operators.
   • Certifications. A pump operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a pump operator's salary.

   Average pump operator salary

   $42,590yearly

   $20.48 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level pump operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 23, 2025

4. Writing a pump operator job description

   A pump operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a pump operator job description:

   Pump operator job description example

   Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.
   
   We are focused on technology development, digital solutions, and defining our footprint in the new energy space. Our ability to provide integrated solutions across our segments will be critical to growth in our core operations and the energy transition.
   
   Energy producers face unique challenges every day, so it is our job to create solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and sustain uptime to meet or exceed their targets. We operate across the global energy landscape employing some of the best diverse talent in the industry. At Weatherford, we understand the value each individual brings to the table. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are immensely proud of our workforce. We invite you to join our passionate, talented, word-class team.
   
   When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger - a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other's successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.
   
   Weatherford offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits program and provides you a challenging and enriching career path, with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are focused on providing a challenging and enriching career path with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are an innovative, global company with wide-ranging opportunities that include career-enhancing talent rotations. Our structured career paths will ensure that you know what it takes to build your ideal career at Weatherford when you join our Company. We also offer a comprehensive benefits program, including health insurance coverage, income protection plans, a 401(k) savings plan, Company paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation.
   
   Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   Responsibilities Work closely with the Driller and the Rotary Helpers (Floor Hands) to ensure that drilling rig operations are performed safely and efficiently Align and manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem from a platform on the rig derrick during the removal and replacement of strings of pipe, or drill stem and drill bit Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions, pumps and drilling mud systems, and mix mud chemicals, cements, and additives Read gauges to monitor pressure, density, rate, and concentration and adjust pumping procedure as required Record mud flows, volumes and take samples Supervise Rotary Helpers (Floor Hands) and laborer Perform rig floor duties (handling slips, elevators, tongs, BHA's) to accomplish the task at hand Assist in the operation of the drilling mud system including mixing mud, maintaining mud characteristics, operating, and maintaining the shaker, de-sander systems and operating/maintaining the mud pumps Work on equipment in the derrick as required Assist with the operation/maintenance of the tongs and other mechanized equipment Keep the rig and the adjacent area clean, neat, and organized Take direction/assignments from the Driller Know and understand Weatherford SRO (Spencer Road) Quality Policy and comply with all requirements of the Quality System Manual, Operating/Technical Procedures and Workplace Instructions Perform various other duties and activities as assigned by supervisor within the physical constraints of the job Qualifications Essential: 1 year as driller 1 year as FRAC pump operator Forklift experience Man-lift experience Brake handle rig experience Top Drive experience (Tesco EMI 400) Safety Certified (IADC Rig Pass) Motorman experience Driller/junior Tool pusher Preferred: Drilling rig mud pump, draw works, derrick maintenance experience Knowledge of FRAC Pump/Cement Truck maintenance Hydraulic crane experience (20 - 30 Ton) Willingness to learn new skills and take on more responsibility

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find pump operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your pump operator job on Zippia to find and recruit pump operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit pump operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new pump operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the pump operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new pump operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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