How To Become A Field Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a field operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Field Operators are hired in the mining or oil extraction industry, where they operate and troubleshoot heavy equipment. Their work requires them to travel to various well sites, sand mines, and trans-loading facilities. They evaluate properties well and maintain machinery and adjust machine settings when necessary. Furthermore, they mitigate risks and report issues to supervisors. Additionally, field operators read and interpret blueprints, and they optimize the production of oil or gas wells. Their duties vary based on the size of the field. Besides that, they perform other duties as assigned and complete tasks within the time frame.

To qualify for this job, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Employers may require a year of general work experience. You must demonstrate physical strength, research, attention to detail, safety, teamwork, and a good work ethic. Field operators make an average salary of $51,466 per year. This ranges from $32,000 to $84,000.

ScoreField OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $42,202

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

9.2

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.22%

Asian 1.22%

Black or African American 9.90%

Hispanic or Latino 21.82%

Unknown 4.19%

White 60.65%

Gender

female 10.00%

male 90.00%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

0.4

Work Life balance is

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a field operator

Explore field operator education requirements

Most common field operator degrees

Bachelor's

40.1 %

High School Diploma

25.5 %

Associate

19.8 %

Start to develop specific field operator skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	14.55%
Hand Tools	7.22%
End Loaders	6.66%
Hazmat	6.22%
Preventive Maintenance	5.22%

Complete relevant field operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New field operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a field operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real field operator resumes.

Research field operator duties and responsibilities

Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
Check through equipment such as contact weight bars, quick changes, cdl.
Train in FRAC and cement work.
Position require CDL and handling of radioactive sources.

Prepare your field operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your field operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a field operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Field Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Field Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Field Operator resume.

Apply for field operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a field operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do field operators rate their job?

-/5

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Field Operator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023

Cons

Sitting idle with nothing to do

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020

Pros

I like working in the field. Meet people that have a lot of experience. Learn from them.