Also called: Platform Operator
Runs the equipment that separates and pumps oil and gas on an offshore platform.
A production operator works 14 days on and 14 off, monitoring separators and compressors in a control room, walking the platform on rounds, and responding to alarms.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; technical school helps.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Trade school. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Process Technology (2-year).
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 51-8093: Decline (-1% or lower).
Medium risk for 10 years. Remote operations centers onshore take over more monitoring; fewer operators stay offshore for hands-on rounds.
Classes: Chemistry, Physics, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-8093.
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.