Wireline operator vs work over rig operator

The differences between wireline operators and work over 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 work over rig operator. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $35,856 average annual salary of a work over rig operator.

The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for a work over rig operator are work-over, safety procedures, and .

Wireline operator vs work over rig operator overview

	Wireline Operator	Work Over Rig Operator
Yearly salary	$43,448	$35,856
Hourly rate	$20.89	$17.24
Growth rate	7%	-
Number of jobs	35,693	28,528
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Wireline operator vs work over rig operator salary

Wireline operators and work over rig operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Wireline Operator	Work Over Rig Operator
Average salary	$43,448	$35,856
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $59,000	Between $15,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between wireline operator and work over rig operator education

There are a few differences between a wireline operator and a work over rig operator in terms of educational background:

	Wireline Operator	Work Over Rig Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Business	Psychology
Most common college	-	-

Wireline operator vs work over rig operator demographics

Here are the differences between wireline operators' and work over rig operators' demographics:

	Wireline Operator	Work Over Rig Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wireline operator and work over rig 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.

Work over rig operator example responsibilities.

Work floors and derricks prior to being advance to the operator position.
Employ wide variety of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
Experience as floor hand, operator, derrick hand and water truck/vac truck driver.
Complete JSA and DVIR, as well as any other applicable reports and paperwork.

Wireline operator vs work over rig operator skills

Common wireline operator skills

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

Common work over rig operator skills

Work-Over, 78%
Safety Procedures, 22%

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Wireline Operator vs Work Over Rig Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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