How To Become A Wireline Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a wireline operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Wireline operators are experts usually employed in oil and gas and mining companies that help install cables that enable a mining company to lower equipment into an oil and gas well. A wireline operator is also responsible for designing the project, drilling the holes, analyzing and compiling field site data, and installing cables or the necessary equipment to fulfill the plan. Also, you are to perform regular maintenance on equipment and ensure damaged parts are replaced or repaired to prevent accidents. Furthermore, you are to determine how changes in the environment will affect outcomes and the appropriate equipment to use for a job.

An associate's degree in a technical field is required for this job. More so, you must be able to relate well with others and must have adequate knowledge of safety and security procedures. You must also be able to pay attention to detail and have the ability to work under pressure. You will earn an annual average salary of $30,626 or $15 every hour.

ScoreWireline OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,448

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.2

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.24%

Asian 1.22%

Black or African American 9.50%

Hispanic or Latino 20.71%

Unknown 4.20%

White 62.14%

Gender

female 2.69%

male 97.31%

Age - 39

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

Stress level

9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

0.4

Work life balance is

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a wireline operator

Explore wireline operator education requirements

Most common wireline operator degrees

High School Diploma

37.2 %

Bachelor's

30.1 %

Associate

16.8 %

Start to develop specific wireline operator skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	23.61%
Rig-Up	13.35%
Hazmat	12.35%
Cranes	5.16%
Hand Tools	5.02%

Complete relevant wireline operator training and internships

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

Research wireline operator duties and responsibilities

Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
Experience operator of power tongs.
Operate power tongs, work corner and v-door.
Minimize risks using PPE and look out for other coworkers.

Prepare your wireline operator resume

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

Choose from 10+ customizable wireline operator resume templates

Build a professional wireline operator 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 wireline operator resume.