Wireline operator vs service unit operator

The differences between wireline operators and service unit 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 service unit operator. Additionally, a service unit operator has an average salary of $46,507, which is higher than the $43,448 average annual salary of a wireline operator.

The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for a service unit operator are safety procedures, load trucks, and .

Wireline operator vs service unit operator overview

	Wireline Operator	Service Unit Operator
Yearly salary	$43,448	$46,507
Hourly rate	$20.89	$22.36
Growth rate	7%	-
Number of jobs	35,693	42,934
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Wireline operator vs service unit operator salary

Wireline operators and service unit operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Wireline Operator	Service Unit Operator
Average salary	$43,448	$46,507
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $59,000	Between $26,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between wireline operator and service unit operator education

There are a few differences between a wireline operator and a service unit operator in terms of educational background:

	Wireline Operator	Service Unit Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Wireline operator vs service unit operator demographics

Here are the differences between wireline operators' and service unit operators' demographics:

	Wireline Operator	Service Unit Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0%
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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wireline operator and service unit operator duties and responsibilities

Wireline operator example 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.
Complete daily forms for quality boxes and quantity of pallets produce.
Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot any issues with electrical tools and vehicles.

Service unit operator example responsibilities.

swab rigs, single pole, double pole and derricks.
Operate controls that raise derricks or level rigs.
Complete all aspects involve in completions, pulling/running rods, and setting and retrieval of BHA tools.
Perform day to day operational oversight and maintenance over numerous distillation and utility units in a cresylic acid manufacturing facility.
Perform day to day operational oversight and maintenance over numerous distillation and utility units in a cresylic acid manufacturing facility.

Wireline operator vs service unit operator skills

Common wireline operator skills

CDL, 24%
Rig-Up, 13%
Hazmat, 12%
Cranes, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%
Safety Regulations, 4%

Common service unit operator skills

Safety Procedures, 54%
Load Trucks, 46%

Wireline Operator vs. similar jobs

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Wireline Operator vs Service Unit Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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