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Job outlook for unit operators in the United States
Are unit operator jobs in demand?
Yes, unit operator jobs are in demand. Unit operator demand is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028.
Unit operator job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of unit operator jobs and the average unit operator salary over time.
Unit operator jobs over time
Unit operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,337 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,117 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,681 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,535 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,792 | 0.00% |
Average unit operator salary over time
Unit operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,192 | $19.80 | +1.4% |
| 2025 | $40,636 | $19.54 | --2.3% |
| 2024 | $41,609 | $20.00 | --0.9% |
| 2023 | $41,983 | $20.18 | --0.7% |
| 2022 | $42,262 | $20.32 | +8.0% |
Unit operator jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of unit operator job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where unit operators earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for unit operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 165 | 24% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,514 | 22% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 197 | 19% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 131 | 18% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,230 | 14% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 66 | 11% |
| 7 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 147 | 10% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 132 | 10% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 108 | 8% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 81 | 8% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 57 | 8% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 208 | 7% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 61 | 7% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 122 | 6% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 104 | 6% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 68 | 6% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 252 | 5% |
| 19 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 225 | 5% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 146 | 5% |
Most common cities for unit operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odessa | 6 | 5% | $37,908 |
| 2 | Waltham | 2 | 3% | $50,520 |
| 3 | Newark | 1 | 2% | $49,143 |
| 4 | Pocatello | 1 | 2% | $36,029 |
| 5 | Sparks | 1 | 1% | $45,294 |
| 6 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $39,384 |
| 7 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $49,078 |