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Field Operator (Well Logging and Testing), Hydrocarbon Data Analyst, Hydrocarbon Mud Logger, Production Testers
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Oil and gas well loggers and testers, and their helpers, cooperate closely with drilling and service rig crews. In general, loggers and testers:
The occupational group to which oil and gas well loggers and testers belong includes several occupations. These include hydrocarbon mud loggers, coring operators, drill stem testers, pressure testers, wireline operators, and slickline operators.
Hydrocarbon mud loggers, also called hydrocarbon data analysts, analyze mud from the well to learn about rock formations. In general, they use instruments to:
Mud logging results help determine drill bit selection and drilling rates. They may indicate a need for core sampling or drill stem testing.
Coring operators take core samples. Geologists, geophysicists, and engineers analyze the samples to provide information about subsurface geology. This helps to determine the potential productivity of a well. In general, coring operators:
Drill stem testers perform tests on the fluid in rock formations. This helps to determine the potential productivity of an oil or gas well. With assistance from their helpers, they:
Drill stem testers, who also are qualified to use equipment that pressure tests casing or tubing for leaks, may be called pressure testers.
Wireline and slickline operators lower special instruments or tools into wells on a slender, flexible, metal cable called a wireline or slickline. For more information, see the Wireline Operator and Slickline Operator occupational profiles.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers are most often on call 24 hours a day. They often work long hours. They are always under pressure to complete their work so the rig can continue its regular activity. The work environment around a rig is noisy, dirty, and hazardous. Performing their work safely is key. The work may require lifting heavy tools and equipment.
Hydrocarbon mud loggers work primarily in small, onsite laboratories during drilling operations. Coring operators, drill stem testers, wireline operators, and slickline operators work mostly outdoors. They often work in adverse weather conditions. They may work in isolated locations for long periods of time.
They must be able to lift at least 25 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling the operation of wirelines, unit controls, and equipment and instruments in mobile testing and logging units
Interest in driving well service and wireline trucks to well sites
Interest in compiling information to direct the operations of wireline and unit controls to conduct required procedures and tests; may perform limited data interpretation
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Oil and gas well loggers and testers need:
They should enjoy working with equipment and machinery. They should be comfortable with clear rules and guidelines. They should like compiling information and solving problems.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 95 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Jul 10, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 66 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 61 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 59 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 59 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 58 |
| Tasks: Ensure safety procedures are followed | 57 |
| Attention to detail | 56 |
| Work under pressure | 56 |
| Teleworking Information: On the road job | 56 |
| Work Site Environment: Wet/damp | 53 |
Most loggers and testers are trained on the job. There is no minimum education requirement, but many employers prefer high school graduates. Related courses, such as math, chemistry, geology, electronics, and mechanics are assets. Experience working on drilling or service rigs is also an asset. Loggers and testers need a valid driver’s licence. Those who operate heavy trucks must have a Class 1 or Class 3 operator’s licence with heavy truck and airbrake (Q) endorsement.
Most employers provide in-house training programs for new employees. They also provide ongoing courses, such as blowout prevention, for experienced employees. They may expect employees to become certified in:
Workers can gain technical knowledge and advance more quickly by taking courses in different aspects of drilling or service operations. Energy Safety Canada, formerly ENFORM, in Calgary and Nisku (near Edmonton), offers courses for those who work on drilling and service rigs. It is the industry’s safety association, but other organizations also offer this training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Oil and gas well loggers and testers work for oil field service companies. Most new employees start out as helpers or junior operators. They are often hired initially as seasonal workers in winter. Opportunities to advance to more senior positions depend partly on the company. However, they also depend on the worker’s ability and potential to assume responsibility and supervise operations.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
2016 NOC: 8232
79.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $50.50 | $32.68 | $33.65 |
| Overall | $19.98 | $59.85 | $41.84 | $47.01 |
| Top | $21.92 | $96.15 | $53.85 | $52.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,111 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $86,943 |
| Construction | $91,684 |
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) website: www.cagc.ca
Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAEDC) website: caoec.ca
Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS) website: www.cwls.org
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Enserva website: enserva.ca
The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) website: www.explorersandproducers.ca
Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
