How to hire a tube operator

How to hire a tube operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step tube 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 tube operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tube operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a tube operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect tube operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents tube operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Tube Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Tube Operator		$13-26
   Wireline Operator	A wireline operator specializes in handling and directing wireline equipment, tools, and instruments, ensuring safety and efficiency. Part of their job is to assess and analyze project requirements, install cables according to protocols and guidelines, control equipment up and down, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs as necessary... Show more	$14-28
   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
   • Post-Job
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Safety Rules
   • Equipment Inspections
   • Oil Gas
   • Inspection Reports
   • Hand Tools
   • Treatment Reports
   • Log Book
   • Well Control
   • TCP
   • BOP
   • Routine Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage HDD drilling unit, logging permit, transportation and laboratory analysis.
   • Receive first aid certifications, H2S training, Hazmat awareness training, CPR and various other training classes.
   • Perform downhole stimulation on oil and gas wells with and without H2S and with high and low bottom hole pressures.
   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Utilize proper PPE, FRC's, fire retardant clothing, glasses, hardhat and proper boots and gloves.
   • Use only clean material and PPE when inspecting fluid levels.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your tube operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A tube operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, tube operators' average salary in florida is 39% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level tube operators earn 49% less than senior-level tube operators.
   • Certifications. A tube operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a tube operator's salary.

   Average tube operator salary

   $39,819yearly

   $19.14 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level tube operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing a tube operator job description

   A tube 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. Below, you can find an example of a tube operator job description:

   Tube operator job description example

   Our Equipment Operators form the backbone of the company. In this role, you will be responsible for assembling, maintaining, running, and troubleshooting Coil Tubing equipment for one of the newest fleets in the business. This job comes with a challenging work environment: 12+ hour days, physically demanding, and exposure to outdoor weather extremes; however, you’re
   compensated for this work with competitive hourly pay rates, a favorable overtime schedule, and the opportunity to advance through the company quickly.

   
   

   Minimum responsibilities will include:

   • Safely and consistently operates, performs preventative maintenance, and troubleshoots Fluid Pump and Nitrogen equipment
   • Coaches and QA’s more junior operators on Fluid Pump and Nitrogen Unit
   • Performs basic maintenance and troubleshooting on Coil Tubing Unit
   • Assists in operation of CT Unit
   • Assists in completing required ops reports and communications
   • Rigging up and down of equipment
   • Assembly and preparation of equipment for
     installation and service
   • Running the job, R&M, and preparation for continued operations

   Work schedule and Accommodations

   14 days on, 7 days off. Can be local, or if commuting, accommodations are provided at our recently constructed field camp.

   
   

   Requirements

   CDL required, with more than 1 year of CDL driving experience preferred. H, T, and N endorsements preferred.

   
   

   Career Path

   As a Coiled Tubing Operator, you will have the opportunity to learn our core business from some of the most experienced supervisors in the field. It is not uncommon for Operators who display a combination of desire, adoption and demonstration of Conquest values, and technical competency, to advance through the Operations career path in just a few years.

   
   

   Company Overview

   Conquest is the premier provider of large diameter coil tubing and completions services in the Permian Basin. Founded in 2014, our mission is to provide superior well completion services to the oil and gas industry. In accomplishing this mission we are diligent in the pursuit of safety perfection, operational excellence and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Our Core values – resilience, integrity, trust and excellence – are the pillars upon which we operate every day.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find tube 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 tube operator job on Zippia to find and recruit tube operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit tube operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   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 tube operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the tube 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new tube 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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