Career comparison
Control Valve Technician vs. Pump Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Control valve technicians earn more at the median ($74,340 vs. $61,770), while pump operators usually get to work faster (Months on the job of training). Control valve technicians install, test and repair the valves that control flow in plants and pipelines. Pump operators run pumps that move water, oil and other liquids.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Control Valve Technician | Pump Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $74,340 ($35.74/hr) | $61,770 ($29.70/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $45,910 – $112,500 | $39,420 – $91,820 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.3% (about as fast as average) | +4.3% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 3,600 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | Months on the job |
| Key credential | Manufacturer valve training | SafeLand |
| Work setting | Technicians work in plants, shops and along pipelines.. | Operators work outdoors at well sites, terminals and plants.. |
What each job does
Control Valve Technician
- Install valves
- Repair valves
- Calibrate actuators
- Test regulators
- Maintain gas meters
Pump Operator
- Run pumps
- Gauge tanks
- Check wells
- Do basic maintenance
- Monitor flow
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and working outdoors. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose control valve technician if…
- I like mechanical work
- I like precision
- I solve problems
Choose pump operator if…
- I like working alone
- I like outdoor work
- I like machines
Still torn? Take the Control Valve Technician fit quiz and the Pump Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, control valve technician or pump operator?
Control Valve Technicians earn more at the median: $74,340 versus $61,770 for pump operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Pump Operators typically train faster (Months on the job) than control valve technicians (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects control valve technicians to grow +4.3% from 2025–35, compared with +4.3% for pump operators.