Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
Less than 5 years
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Service unit operators, oil and gas work in a specialized trade with a defined national presence and measurable long-term demand. National employment stands at 45,000 workers, with projected employment growth of 0.4% and about 4,000 annual openings. This combination suggests ongoing turnover and replacement needs that can create opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers alike. The national median annual salary of $57,980 places this role in a solid earning range for a hands-on, field-based occupation. The role draws on a mix of mechanical ability, physical strength and stamina, and problem-solving skills, making it a good fit for people who prefer practical, technical work over office-based careers. With no formal educational credential typically required, this occupation can be accessible to individuals who are ready to develop strong mechanical, leadership, and interpersonal skills on the job and pursue opportunities in different states and metro areas where demand exists.
Service unit operators, oil and gas earn a national median annual salary of $57,980, with pay levels varying across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, California offers a median salary of $62,580, Colorado $60,290, North Dakota $60,810, and Texas $49,820. New York’s median salary is $45,750. At the metro level, pay differences are even more pronounced. The Anchorage, AK metro stands out with a median salary of $95,370, followed by Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO at $66,220 and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA at $65,140. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX offers $60,870, while Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is at $49,940. These figures show that location choices can significantly influence earning potential within this occupation, even when the work falls under the same job title and national code.
Nationally, service unit operators, oil and gas account for 45,000 jobs, with projected employment growth of 0.4%. This modest projected change indicates a relatively stable overall employment level rather than rapid expansion or sharp decline. The occupation is expected to generate about 4,000 annual openings. Given the small projected growth rate, these openings are likely driven largely by workforce turnover, such as retirements or people moving into other fields, alongside some ongoing demand. For job seekers, this means that while the total number of positions may not be changing dramatically, there is continuing movement within the occupation that can create entry points. Individuals who can bring the key skills associated with the role—such as mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and problem-solving—may be well positioned to compete for available openings as they arise across different regions.
Location choices play a major role in opportunity for service unit operators, oil and gas. Among states with the highest CareerGPS opportunity scores, California leads with a score of 67.38, a median salary of $62,580, and employment of 2,820. New York has a high opportunity score of 65.78 but a lower median salary of $45,750 and relatively small employment of 100. Colorado (score 56.97) and North Dakota (48.53) offer similar median salaries around $60,000 with employment around 3,000, while Texas combines the largest employment (16,820) with a median salary of $49,820 and an opportunity score of 51.57. At the metro level, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO show strong opportunity scores and salaries in the mid-$60,000s. Anchorage, AK stands out for its $95,370 median salary despite employment of 100. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands in Texas offer sizable employment and midrange salaries within this field.
For service unit operators, oil and gas, the typical education requirement is no formal educational credential. This makes the field accessible to individuals who may not have completed traditional postsecondary programs but are ready to build skills through work experience and training. Success in this occupation is closely tied to a strong skill profile rather than formal degrees. Key skills include leadership, mechanical ability, and physical strength and stamina, reflecting the practical and physically demanding nature of the work. Fine motor skills and a detail-oriented approach support accuracy and safety. Problem solving and decision making, along with mathematics and science, contribute to handling technical challenges. Project management and interpersonal skills are also emphasized, supporting coordination of tasks and effective interaction with others on the job. Together, these skills outline a pathway for advancement based on competence, reliability, and the ability to handle complex, hands-on work environments.
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