Pump Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Pump Operators Make?
Pump Operators earn a median annual salary of $60,020 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,850 at the 10th percentile to $89,660 at the 90th percentile — a range of $51,810. The highest-paying state is Illinois at $84,590.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,850 |
| 25th percentile | $47,270 |
| Median (50th) | $60,020 |
| 75th percentile | $75,160 |
| 90th percentile | $89,660 |
Pump Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinoistop | $84,590 |
| Washington | $84,010 |
| New Jersey | $81,900 |
| Arizona | $81,430 |
| Ohio | $81,110 |
| Colorado | $79,140 |
| Wyoming | $78,810 |
| North Dakota | $75,960 |
| Utah | $73,840 |
| Alaska | $72,990 |
| Montana | $71,550 |
| Virginia | $65,720 |
| Minnesota | $61,630 |
| Mississippi | $61,250 |
| Wisconsin | $61,040 |
| Louisiana | $60,840 |
| Indiana | $60,680 |
| Florida | $60,370 |
| Idaho | $60,130 |
| Texas | $58,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,800 |
| Oregon | $55,760 |
| West Virginia | $55,380 |
| Oklahoma | $54,500 |
| New York | $54,280 |
| Tennessee | $52,150 |
| Alabama | $51,560 |
| New Mexico | $51,380 |
| California | $51,350 |
| Nevada | $45,710 |
| Kansas | $44,130 |
| North Carolina | $43,390 |
| Kentucky | $43,130 |
| Missouri | $41,780 |
| Georgia | $36,520 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Pump Operators
Pump Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,850 – $47,270 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$60,020 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,160 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $89,660+ |
How to Earn More as a Pump Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Pump Operators in Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area earn $92,700 — $32,680 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,160) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Pump Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Pump Operatorthis career | $60,020 |
| Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaner | $49,140 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $57,980 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairer | $74,690 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Pump Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 53-7072.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.