Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between wireline operators and equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a wireline operator, becoming an equipment operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.
| Wireline Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,448 | $31,739 |
| Hourly rate | $20.89 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 35,693 | 62,473 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 40 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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. When it comes to employment, a wireline operator may work for mining, oil, and gas companies. Due to the risks surrounding the job, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the site's safety policies and standards.
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. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
Wireline operators and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireline Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,448 | $31,739 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $59,000 | Between $24,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Indianapolis, IN |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Nelsen Partners |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a wireline operator and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Wireline Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between wireline operators' and equipment operators' demographics:
| Wireline Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 1.2% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |