Also called: Frac Operator, Frac Hand
Runs the big pump trucks that crack open rock deep underground to release oil and gas.
You work 12-hour shifts at a well pad, connecting high-pressure lines, watching gauges, and keeping sand and water flowing. Weeks on, weeks off.
Overtime can push earnings much higher.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma; commercial driver's license (CDL) helpful.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly. Swings with oil prices.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Electric frac fleets and automated pumping trim crew sizes; rigging up, driving and running equipment stays hands-on.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to frac companies as a helper; they send you to safety orientation First: SafeLand safety orientation and drug test; driving jobs need a CDL
Classes: Auto or diesel CTE, Shop class, Algebra, Driver's education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-5013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.