Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Wellhead Pumper
What wellhead pumpers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a wellhead pumper?
Check overnight alarms on the SCADA app. From there, the day usually includes check wells on a daily route, gauge tanks and record production, and adjust pumps, chokes and timers. Most work full-time, with weekend rotations and on-call duty.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a wellhead pumper working full time.
- Check overnight alarms on the SCADA app.
- Drive to the first lease.
- Check a pumpjack and adjust the timer.
- Gauge tanks and record levels.
- Repair a small leak on a flowline.
- Meet a water hauler and sign tickets.
- Enter production data and plan tomorrow.
Where wellhead pumpers work
Pumpers work outdoors at well sites and drive long distances, often alone in rural areas.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with weekend rotations and on-call duty.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Check wells on a daily route
- Gauge tanks and record production
- Adjust pumps, chokes and timers
- Inspect for leaks and spills
- Perform minor maintenance
- Coordinate haulers and service crews
- Report production data
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pumpjacks
- Gauging tapes
- Gas monitors
- SCADA apps
- Hand tools
- Company trucks
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Independent work
- Good pay
- Outdoors and on the road
- Company truck often provided
What’s hard
- Working alone in remote areas
- Weather exposure
- On-call duty
- Employment projected to decline
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like working independently
- I enjoy driving and being outdoors
- I’m reliable and organized
- I have oilfield experience
- I don’t mind on-call duty
- I’m safety-minded
Not sure? Take the free Wellhead Pumper fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear H2S monitors and stand upwind
- Never reach past guards
- Check in when working alone
- Drive defensively on lease roads