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Equipment Operator, Gas Well Service Equipment Operator, Oil Well Service Equipment Operator
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
Well service equipment operators perform various specialized services. Their duties and job titles vary from one employer to another and one type of service to another. In general, they:
Pumping services involve the use of high-pressure pumping equipment and chemicals, fluids, or gases. Different operations require different materials. Pump equipment operators often provide a specific service:
Depending on the job, pump equipment operators may have added responsibilities, such as mixing materials.
Coil tubing operators insert the continuous coiled tubing used to pump fluids, such as water, oil, acid, and nitrogen gas, down a well. This can stimulate formation, clean out the wellbore, or condition the well for other services. Coiled tubing can also supply mechanical force to operate downhole tools and equipment. It can also be used during fracking operations to reach specific areas of the well bore or for milling out plugs.
Completion or service tool operators install completion equipment. This controls reservoir pressures and production flow.
Fishing tool operators, sometimes called downhole tool operators, use tools designed to retrieve objects that must be removed from the well bore before work can proceed. They meet with drilling personnel to determine the best method and tool to use. They also direct tool assembly and operation.
Power tong and casing operators use hydraulic power tongs to connect casing as it is lowered into a well. They manage hydraulic controls that provide power, operate the power tongs, and monitor pressure gauges. Pressure gauges ensure the correct amount of pressure is applied to connect casing joints properly. Combined with cementing, casing stabilizes recently drilled well holes.
Swabbing unit operators use specialized equipment to pull fluid from the well bore so oil or gas can flow on its own pressure.
For information about snubbing services, see the Snubbing Services Operators and Supervisors occupational profile.
Well service equipment crews often work out of central field stations. Field stations are based throughout the province, often in towns or cities near major drilling or production sites.
Specialized services can be requested at any time of the day or night. As a result, well service equipment operators usually work on a 24-hour on-call basis. They do a lot of travelling and often work long hours. They may need to lift heavy items.
Much of the work is outdoors in all kinds of weather. This exposes operators to dirt, dust, noise, and fumes around rigs. The work can be hazardous, making safety a concern for everyone on a rig. Hazards include:
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 driving trucks to well sites and in operating systems to pump chemicals, gases, sand, cement and other materials into wells
Interest in monitoring pressure, density, rate and concentration during pumping operations
Interest in copying information to read gauges to interpret conditions and adjust pumping procedures; may mix chemicals and cement
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.
Well service equipment operators need:
They should enjoy operating machinery and complex equipment, having clear rules and guidelines for their work, 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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 04, 2022 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 83 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 82 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 80 |
| Long term benefits: Life insurance | 70 |
| Attention to detail | 58 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 58 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 57 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 57 |
| Teleworking Information: On the road job | 55 |
| Computer Systems: Willing to travel | 54 |
Well service equipment operators should have a high school diploma. They also need an ability and desire to learn quickly and put their learning into practice. Related education or experience on a drilling or service rig is a definite asset. For more information, see the Drilling and Service Rig Personnel occupational profile.
Pump equipment operators often learn on the job and through company training programs. They transport and use materials and gases that may be highly corrosive or poisonous. This is hazardous if incorrectly handled. Therefore, they often need an Alberta Class 1 operator’s licence with air or heavy truck endorsement and no more than 6 demerits.
They should have the following certificates:
Some employers require acidizing operators to have related post-secondary education. For example, they might want a 2-year diploma or 4-year degree in petroleum engineering.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Well service equipment operators work for contractors in the oil and gas industry. They may start as helpers. After on-the-job training and in-house courses, they may move into operator positions.
Pump equipment operators usually specialize in a single type of operation. With experience, they can advance to field supervisor. A pump equipment operator with leadership skills and knowledge of all types of pumping operations can advance to station manager.
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.
In the 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators occupational group, 85.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 8412: Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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 | $17.69 | $48.08 | $29.09 | $28.00 |
| Overall | $21.72 | $55.52 | $33.54 | $32.00 |
| Top | $26.50 | $66.67 | $37.55 | $36.00 |
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 | $65,187 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $64,383 |
| Construction | $64,172 |
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) website: caodc.ca
PetroLMI, Careers in Oil and Gas (COG) website: careersinoilandgas.com
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) website: www.psac.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
