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The differences between wireline operators and rig operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a wireline operator and a rig operator. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a rig operator.
The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for a rig operator are CDL, productivity standards, and customer satisfaction.
| Wireline Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,448 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $20.89 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 7% | - |
| Number of jobs | 35,693 | 30,722 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A drill rig operator drills holes on the ground for different purposes. There are different types of rig operators depending on what they drill. There are rotary drill operators who drill oil and gas, and there is the rig operator who drills sewer holes and boreholes, among others. Their duties and responsibilities include receiving instructions on the drilling parameters and other procedures, checking and setting up equipment required for drilling, and offering assistance to other crew members.
Wireline operators and rig operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireline Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,448 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $59,000 | Between $28,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a wireline operator and a rig operator in terms of educational background:
| Wireline Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between wireline operators' and rig operators' demographics:
| Wireline Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 24.6% Asian, 1.2% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |