Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers Salary
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers earn a median $61,770 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What pump operators, except wellhead pumpers do
Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +4.3% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 1,000
Employment of pump operators, except wellhead pumpers is projected to grow 4.3% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$5,232
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,830
- Medicare (1.45%)$896
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$51,812
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,420 | $18.95 | $33,854 |
| 25th percentile | $47,560 | $22.87 | $40,394 |
| Median (50th) | $61,770 | $29.70 | $51,812 |
| 75th percentile | $77,210 | $37.12 | $63,147 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $91,820 | $44.14 | $73,425 |
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $92,310 | +9.1% | $69,346 | $62,510 – $116,120 | 50 |
| North Dakota | $81,400 | +7.2% | $65,767 | $49,920 – $100,830 | 70 |
| Alaska | $80,210 | +9.9% | $65,258 | $62,210 – $98,810 | 120 |
| Wyoming | $77,820 | −1.3% | $63,576 | $49,150 – $94,540 | 290 |
| Connecticut | $71,890 | — | $57,026 | $41,090 – $74,000 | 30 |
| Montana | $71,770 | +0.3% | $56,626 | $46,110 – $113,410 | 50 |
| Michigan | $69,540 | — | $55,047 | $46,800 – $118,810 | 40 |
| Alabama | $66,890 | +29.7% | $52,808 | $41,030 – $88,020 | 100 |
| Virginia | $66,500 | +1.2% | $52,603 | $53,090 – $75,400 | 150 |
| New Jersey | $64,990 | −20.6% | $52,357 | $61,030 – $95,450 | 310 |
| Ohio | $64,700 | −20.2% | $53,170 | $47,570 – $88,720 | 150 |
| Louisiana | $64,110 | +5.4% | $52,155 | $39,650 – $78,990 | 1,370 |
| Georgia | $64,050 | +75.4% | $50,943 | $35,300 – $93,300 | 130 |
| Texas | $61,770 | +5.3% | $51,812 | $40,660 – $105,620 | 2,110 |
| Mississippi | $61,670 | +0.7% | $49,997 | $43,490 – $71,830 | 70 |
| Utah | $61,590 | −16.6% | $49,862 | $44,030 – $106,650 | 250 |
| West Virginia | $61,450 | +11.0% | $49,526 | $54,630 – $90,200 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $60,660 | +6.8% | $49,058 | $40,890 – $83,280 | 190 |
| Indiana | $60,620 | −0.1% | $49,129 | $46,600 – $67,390 | — |
| Wisconsin | $60,320 | −1.2% | $48,774 | $52,000 – $116,800 | 70 |
| Idaho | $60,200 | +0.1% | $48,468 | $52,060 – $80,060 | — |
| Minnesota | $59,700 | −3.1% | $47,613 | $56,740 – $101,140 | 60 |
| Florida | $59,120 | −2.1% | $49,683 | $38,080 – $74,920 | 510 |
| New Mexico | $58,920 | +14.7% | $47,919 | $46,700 – $81,010 | 80 |
| Nevada | $57,980 | +26.8% | $48,767 | $46,930 – $84,980 | 150 |
| California | $57,660 | +12.3% | $46,251 | $36,470 – $86,390 | 1,220 |
| Washington | $57,030 | −32.1% | $48,004 | $55,980 – $115,920 | 80 |
| Oregon | $54,540 | −2.2% | $42,060 | $38,710 – $88,200 | 630 |
| Tennessee | $52,120 | −0.1% | $44,058 | $35,440 – $62,810 | 80 |
| Maine | $51,370 | — | $41,170 | $44,440 – $93,500 | — |
| New York | $48,010 | −11.6% | $38,760 | $43,720 – $77,200 | 300 |
| Oklahoma | $46,900 | −13.9% | $38,299 | $38,600 – $76,900 | 90 |
| Colorado | $46,680 | −41.0% | $38,342 | $45,730 – $89,510 | — |
| Kentucky | $46,600 | +8.0% | $38,110 | $38,130 – $70,050 | 40 |
| Nebraska | $46,170 | — | $38,056 | $45,760 – $48,110 | — |
| North Carolina | $45,890 | +5.8% | $37,730 | $37,700 – $59,760 | 180 |
| Missouri | $44,650 | +6.9% | $36,895 | $35,440 – $48,520 | 70 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellhead Pumper | $69,960 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.0% |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operator | $77,320 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.1% |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,870 | No formal educational credential | +2.8% |
| Hoist and Winch Operator | $56,450 | No formal educational credential | +0.2% |
| Crane and Tower Operator | $68,080 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.8% |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector | $49,690 | No formal educational credential | +2.1% |
| Dredge Operator | $49,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator | $46,420 | No formal educational credential | +1.5% |
| Conveyor Operator and Tender | $42,420 | No formal educational credential | -2.6% |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $41,800 | No formal educational credential | +2.7% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pump operators, except wellhead pumpers make?
The national median salary for pump operators, except wellhead pumpers is $61,770 a year ($29.70 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $39,420 and the top 10% earn over $91,820. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays pump operators, except wellhead pumpers the most?
Illinois has the highest median pay at $92,310.
How many pump operators, except wellhead pumpers are there in the U.S.?
About 9,780 people work as pump operators, except wellhead pumpers nationwide.