Wireline Operator
Wireline operators raise and lower special downhole instruments and tools. They collect and process data from wireline operations.
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E-line Operations Supervisor
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
Wireline operations take their name from the slender, flexible, metal cable used to lower special instruments into oil and gas wells. Different types of work require different types of wireline. For example, electric lines (or e-lines) have a braided outer line with a wire running through the middle. Protected from the often-harsh environment of a well, the wire conducts electricity from a mobile generator to power instruments attached to the end of the line. E-lines are used for operations such as production logging, perforating, and pipe recovery.
In general, wireline crews lower, operate, and raise instruments, tools, and equipment. This includes:
They also:
Wireline operators often work inside a mobile unit that houses complex computer equipment. From this unit, they lower, raise, and position instruments or tools. Data received during wireline operations is sent to e-line supervisors to interpret and process for permanent records. Precise and accurate direction of wireline operations is extremely important and involves a great deal of skill.
Wireline operators work outdoors and in mobile units in the field. Their work hours, job location, and travel requirements vary with the company and type of job. Long hours and extensive travel are common. In Alberta, some oil and gas wells are located near major centres or small communities. However, a growing number are in remote areas.
Wireline operators need:
They should enjoy solving problems and working with tools, instruments, equipment, and machinery.
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 87 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Oct 15, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Health benefits: Health care plan | 69 |
---|---|
Health benefits: Dental plan | 68 |
Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 65 |
Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 59 |
Health benefits: Disability benefits | 56 |
Construction Specialization: Dependability | 54 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 52 |
Hand-eye co-ordination | 52 |
Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 51 |
Long term benefits: Life insurance | 50 |
Wireline operators must:
Employers most often provide in-house training for new employees, and ongoing courses for experienced workers. They may require employees to obtain certificates such as:
Wireline operators with a high school diploma and wellhead boom truck apprenticeship are more likely to be hired. For information about wellhead boom truck apprenticeship, see the Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator occupational profile.
It is possible to gain technical knowledge and advance more quickly by taking courses in different aspects of drilling or service operations. Energy Safety Canada (in Calgary and in Nisku, near Edmonton) provides training for drilling and service rig crews. They also offer pre-employment courses for those wanting more experience before working in the oil and gas industry. Although they are the industry’s safety association, other organizations also offer this training.
E-line operators need a working knowledge of electrical circuits and load calculations. Before they are qualified to run their own truck, new employees generally work with experienced e-line wireline operators and field engineers. They also take courses in physics, interpretation, software, safety, and general operating procedures. Trainees typically need 6 to 9 months before being ready to work without direct supervision.
Wireline field supervisors generally have a related 2-year diploma and 2 or 3 years of experience as wireline operators.
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
Wireline operators work for:
Wireline operators may develop special expertise in areas such as electrical logging or perforating. Or they may move into field stations and work as mechanics. With further training, experienced wireline operators may advance to positions such as wireline field supervisor or station manager. Eventually they may move into senior management or do consulting work for wireline service companies.
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: 2023-2025 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 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 | $21.63 | $50.30 | $33.53 | $30.00 |
Overall | $27.33 | $50.00 | $40.40 | $42.00 |
Top | $28.00 | $86.54 | $57.67 | $51.96 |
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 | $78,201 |
---|---|
Oil & Gas Extraction | $79,318 |
Construction | $67,354 |
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) website: caodc.ca
Careers in Oil + Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) website: www.explorersandproducers.ca
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.