Pumpman, oil drilling

What does a pumpman in oil drilling do – duties and work environment

A pumpman in oil drilling is responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring pumps and related equipment on drilling rigs or during onshore oil extraction. Tasks include checking fluid levels, pressure, and flow rates, troubleshooting, as well as repairing and lubricating machinery. The work is often conducted in shifts and may involve long periods at remote locations, sometimes offshore, where the work environment is technically advanced and safety standards are very high. Collaboration with other technicians and operators is central, and the work can be both physically demanding and mentally challenging.

Salary development over time

The salary for a pumpman in oil drilling has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,399 SEK per month, and in 2023 it increased to 40 728 SEK, representing an increase of about 0.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary rose significantly to 47 200 SEK, an increase of over 15% in just one year. This sharp increase can be linked to higher demand for technical expertise, larger project volumes, and a continuing global energy market in flux. Simultaneously, the shortage of specialized labor and high safety requirements positively influence salary development. The salary level for pumpmen in the oil drilling industry thus exceeds the average for similar technical professions.

Pumpman in oil drilling salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 47 200 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: Data not available, but the average applies to the entire profession
• Hourly wage: 284 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 47 400 SEK, no specific statistics for women
• Regional differences: No specific data available for the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a pumpman in oil drilling, a technical high school education or equivalent is usually required, often supplemented with specialized courses in mechanical engineering, hydraulics, and safety. Practical experience from industry, shipping, or process industries is highly meritorious and often a requirement from employers. Certifications in safety and work environment are mandatory at many workplaces, especially offshore.

• Technical high school: 3 years, preferably with focus on machinery or industry
• Specialized courses: Hydraulics, pumps, pressure management
• Certifications: For example, hot work permits, offshore safety
• Internships/experience: Previous work in industry, process, or shipping
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical interest, and problem-solving skills

Common benefits and compensations

A pumpman in oil drilling often has access to benefits such as free travel to and from the workplace, per diems, allowances for unsociable hours, and extra vacation days. Offshore work sometimes offers benefits like free food and accommodation, as well as access to wellness programs and health insurance. Bonuses and performance-based compensation may also occur depending on the employer and project.

Competition and challenges

The profession of pumpman in oil drilling is characterized by high technical complexity and requirements for continuous training. Competition for the most attractive jobs can be fierce, especially for assignments on larger international platforms. At the same time, the availability of qualified labor is relatively limited, creating opportunities for those with the right skills. The work environment demands high safety awareness and endurance, and those wishing to develop in the profession need to be prepared to work long shifts under sometimes tough conditions. The cyclical nature of the industry also means that demand can vary over time depending on the global economy and energy market developments.

Tips for those wanting to become a pumpman in oil drilling

To succeed as a pumpman in oil drilling, it is good to have a strong technical understanding and a genuine interest in machines and processes. Being meticulous and having a developed safety mindset is crucial, as the work often takes place in risky environments. Good physical condition facilitates physically demanding tasks, and a problem-solving attitude helps with emergency shutdowns or machinery failures. Flexibility and the ability to work shifts, sometimes for several weeks in a row, are also important qualities. Social skills and teamwork are highly valued, as collaboration forms the basis for safe and efficient operation. Continuously furthering education and staying updated on new technologies and safety routines also increase opportunities for ongoing career development within the profession.

Key facts about pumpmen in oil drilling

• Education level: Technical high school education with specialized courses
• Work environment: Offshore or remote locations, often in shifts
• Demand: 379 current job openings in the profession
• Salary growth: Increase of over 15% between 2023 and 2024
• Special skills: Mechanical engineering, hydraulics, safety

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a pumpman in oil drilling, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, technical specialist, or maintenance manager on the platform. Some choose to further educate themselves in process or operations technology to move into more qualified positions, such as drill master or site manager. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that detailed assessments for this specific role are lacking, but there are 379 current job openings within the profession, suggesting ongoing demand. Those willing to develop their skills and adapt to industry requirements have good prospects for continued employment and career growth in the future.

Frequently asked questions about pumpmen in oil drilling

• What does a pumpman in oil drilling earn?
  - A pumpman in oil drilling has an average salary of 47 200 SEK per month.
• How does one become a pumpman in oil drilling?
  - The usual path is technical high school education and internships within industry or shipping, as well as specialized courses and certifications.
• What are the duties of a pumpman in oil drilling?
  - Monitor, maintain, and repair pumps and pressure systems on drilling rigs or during onshore oil extraction.
• What is the work environment like for a pumpman?
  - The work environment is often demanding and can involve long shifts, offshore work, and high safety standards.
• Are there many job openings for pumpmen in oil drilling?
  - Yes, there are currently 379 job openings in the profession.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - There is no detailed data on regional salary differences for this occupation.
• What are common benefits?
  - Common benefits include free travel, per diems, overtime allowances, and sometimes free accommodation and meals offshore.