How To Become A Pumper: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pumper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

In an oilfield, pumpers are responsible for ensuring that wellheads receive proper maintenance and are fully functioning. Although it may sound simple, the job of a pumper is often hazardous, physically demanding, and requires a high level of mechanical skill.

Aside from the duties mentioned above, a pumper is also responsible for inspecting wellheads regularly and troubleshooting any issues that they may spot. They also help maintain the cleanliness of their work area and perform necessary tests, calibrations, and repairs.

Pumpers usually work alone and are expected to continue working even in inclement weather. That said, anyone who wants to become a pumper must have above-average levels of physical fitness, endurance, and strength--both physical and mental.

To become a pumper, one must go through proper training through an apprenticeship and an employer's basic training program. Afterward, one will usually work under the supervision of another employee until they can work on their own, which can span anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

ScorePumperUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $40,543

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.45%

Asian 2.26%

Black or African American 10.56%

Hispanic or Latino 23.99%

Unknown 4.45%

White 57.29%

Gender

female 6.59%

male 93.41%

Age - 39.5

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 - 39.5

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pumper

Explore pumper education requirements

Most common pumper degrees

High School Diploma

47.1 %

Bachelor's

19.2 %

Associate

16.8 %

Start to develop specific pumper skills

Skills	Percentages
Production Equipment	10.66%
Oil Gas	9.54%
OSHA	6.96%
Production Facilities	6.91%
Production Data	6.78%

Complete relevant pumper training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pumpers 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 pumper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pumper resumes.

Research pumper duties and responsibilities

Follow all safety requirements to include PPE and filling out safety forms
Gauge tanks, make sure equipment is run right compressors plungers separaters.
Operate carwash, pump gas for customers, and operate cash register.
Operate PLC panels and LACT units and trouble shoot any problems that may occur.

Prepare your pumper resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pumper 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 pumper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable pumper resume templates

Build a professional pumper 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 pumper resume.