Wireline operator vs unit operator

The differences between wireline operators and 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 unit operator. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $41,192 average annual salary of a unit operator.

The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for a unit operator are asphalt, plant equipment, and safety procedures.

Wireline operator vs unit operator overview

	Wireline Operator	Unit Operator
Yearly salary	$43,448	$41,192
Hourly rate	$20.89	$19.80
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	35,693	47,545
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Wireline operator vs unit operator salary

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

	Wireline Operator	Unit Operator
Average salary	$43,448	$41,192
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $59,000	Between $27,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	Plymouth, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Applied Materials
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between wireline operator and unit operator education

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

	Wireline Operator	Unit Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Wireline operator vs unit operator demographics

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

	Wireline Operator	Unit Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5%
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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wireline operator and 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.

Unit operator example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
Drill frac plugs in time efficient manner.
Coordinate, and execute safety programs, JSA's, and reports.
Make Maximo request to get desire jobs put on schedule for repairs.
Perform LOTO procedures for equipment in preparation for maintenance or safety concerns.
Perform day to day operational oversight and maintenance over numerous distillation and utility units in a cresylic acid manufacturing facility.

Wireline operator vs unit operator skills

Common wireline operator skills

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

Common unit operator skills

Asphalt, 27%
Plant Equipment, 21%
Safety Procedures, 11%
Control Room, 7%
Unit Operations, 6%
Rig, 4%