What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in the U.S. earn more than $61,770 a year — the middle 80% land between $39,420 and $91,820. About 9,780 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$61,770typical pay / year
9,780people in this work
$91,820+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Transfer wax
+Move 120 liters of molten wax from tank B12 to vessel A3 before the 07:30 arrival, check viscosity at 60°C…
Transfer wax
+Move 120 liters of molten wax from tank B12 to vessel A3 before the 07:30 arrival, check viscosity at 60°C and record readings on the transfer log, stop and notify maintenance if flow rate drops below 20 L/min.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAComputerized maintenance management system CMMSESCOsee the evidence ↗
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Monitor processes and surroundings
+Watch the kiln temperatures, seal levels, and nearby transfer lines for any rising viscosity, wax pooling, or…
Monitor processes and surroundings
+Watch the kiln temperatures, seal levels, and nearby transfer lines for any rising viscosity, wax pooling, or charcoal dust clouds; log anomalies with time and sensor ID, and flag anything outside normal liquefaction range immediately.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAjob descriptions
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Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
+Tell Sam in maintenance and Lydia the shift supervisor the current wax transfer rate, measured viscosity, and…
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
+Tell Sam in maintenance and Lydia the shift supervisor the current wax transfer rate, measured viscosity, and any charcoal packing delays, and ask Lydia if she wants the transfer slowed or the heater bumped by two degrees.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptions
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Identify objects, actions, and events
+Scan the feed lines and work area for signs of blocked vents, pooled wax, abnormal charcoal packing, or…
Identify objects, actions, and events
+Scan the feed lines and work area for signs of blocked vents, pooled wax, abnormal charcoal packing, or unexpected heat spots, note each object's location and action observed, and attach photos and timestamps.
The tools that do the workOperational databasesjob descriptions
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Make decisions and solve problems
+If viscosity climbs above the safe band or liquefaction temperature drifts, decide whether to reduce feed…
Make decisions and solve problems
+If viscosity climbs above the safe band or liquefaction temperature drifts, decide whether to reduce feed rate, open the bypass, or call maintenance; record why you chose that action and who you notified.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptions
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Schedule work and activities
+Block out Tom and Ana for the weekend kiln run, assign morning viscosity checks and charcoal repack at 0700,…
Schedule work and activities
+Block out Tom and Ana for the weekend kiln run, assign morning viscosity checks and charcoal repack at 0700, 1300, 1900, and ensure backup operator covers the midnight shift if temperatures exceed setpoint twice.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Develop objectives and strategies
+Draft a three‑point plan to cut offrepeat wax pooling: tighten packing procedures, add one viscosity check…
Develop objectives and strategies
+Draft a three‑point plan to cut offrepeat wax pooling: tighten packing procedures, add one viscosity check per shift, and test a two‑degree lower liquefaction setpoint for a 48‑hour trial; include success metrics and who signs off.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptions
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Add chemicals and solutions to tanks to ensure that specifications are met.
+Add 200 litres of sodium hypochlorite and 50 litres of coagulant to Tank B, verify concentrations hit 150 ppm…
Add chemicals and solutions to tanks to ensure that specifications are met.
+Add 200 litres of sodium hypochlorite and 50 litres of coagulant to Tank B, verify concentrations hit 150 ppm and pH 7.2, log batch numbers and volumes, and hold action if viscosity reads above spec before signing off.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAO*NET
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Test materials and solutions, using testing equipment.
+Run the turbidity and viscosity checks on Sample A from Tank C, record three readings, compare against the…
Test materials and solutions, using testing equipment.
+Run the turbidity and viscosity checks on Sample A from Tank C, record three readings, compare against the acceptance limits, note any out-of-spec result, and tag the sample for lab confirmation if two readings fail.
The tools that do the workOperational databasesO*NET
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Tend auxiliary equipment such as water treatment and refrigeration units, and heat exchangers.
+Inspect and service the refrigeration unit room: check coolant pressure, clean strainers on the water…
Tend auxiliary equipment such as water treatment and refrigeration units, and heat exchangers.
+Inspect and service the refrigeration unit room: check coolant pressure, clean strainers on the water treatment skid, verify heat exchanger delta-T is within 8–12°C, log the maintenance task and raise a work order if bearings run hot.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NET
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Pump two or more materials into one tank to blend mixtures.
+Blend 500 litres by pumping 300 litres of wax slurry and 200 litres of solvent into Holding Tank D, monitor…
Pump two or more materials into one tank to blend mixtures.
+Blend 500 litres by pumping 300 litres of wax slurry and 200 litres of solvent into Holding Tank D, monitor flow rates so the ratio stays 60:40, sample after five minutes, and stop feeds if viscosity deviates from target.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAO*NET
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Transfer gases, oil, or liquids between vessels
+Transfer crude oil from Vessel 12 to Vessel 7 at 100 cubic metres per hour, confirm inlet and outlet valves…
Transfer gases, oil, or liquids between vessels
+Transfer crude oil from Vessel 12 to Vessel 7 at 100 cubic metres per hour, confirm inlet and outlet valves are lined up, monitor pressure and leak indicators continuously, and complete the transfer report when volumes match gauges.
The tools that do the workOperational databasesSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAjob descriptions
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Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
+Replace the worn pump seal on Pump 3, isolate and lock out the line, swap the seal, torque bolts to spec, run…
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
+Replace the worn pump seal on Pump 3, isolate and lock out the line, swap the seal, torque bolts to spec, run a pressure test, and update the equipment history and next inspection date after successful commissioning.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptions
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Control machines and processes
+Keep the liquefaction temperature at the target, monitor pressure gauges and feed rates on the control…
Control machines and processes
+Keep the liquefaction temperature at the target, monitor pressure gauges and feed rates on the control panels, and adjust valves or heaters to stabilise wax transfer flows while logging each change and operator initials before shift end.
The tools that do the workSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADAjob descriptions
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Perform general physical activities (lifting, climbing)
+Load and secure twenty 25‑kg charcoal sacks into the transfer trolley, climb the mezzanine to clear the…
Perform general physical activities (lifting, climbing)
+Load and secure twenty 25‑kg charcoal sacks into the transfer trolley, climb the mezzanine to clear the chute, lift and position the trolley for hopper discharge, and report any strain or damaged sacks to maintenance immediately.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptions
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Document and record information
+Record batch start and end times, weights transferred, measured viscosities, and any temperature deviations…
Document and record information
+Record batch start and end times, weights transferred, measured viscosities, and any temperature deviations in the shift log, then send the completed log to production control and archive a copy for the weekly audit.
The tools that do the workOperational databasesjob descriptions
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Estimate quantities, sizes, or time needed
+Calculate how many 500‑kg wax loads we need for tomorrow’s two runs by checking current stock, estimated…
Estimate quantities, sizes, or time needed
+Calculate how many 500‑kg wax loads we need for tomorrow’s two runs by checking current stock, estimated yield per run, and expected transfer losses, then give a time estimate for transfer and warming to the production planner.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Troubleshoot mechanical issues
+If the transfer pump cavitates or temperatures climb above setpoint, isolate the pump, inspect seals and…
Troubleshoot mechanical issues
+If the transfer pump cavitates or temperatures climb above setpoint, isolate the pump, inspect seals and drive alignment, flush the line if contaminated, log the fault and raise a maintenance ticket with photos and urgency level.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptions
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Pack charcoal
+Pack charcoal into 25‑kg sacks ensuring 18 sacks per pallet, compact each sack to the same density, mark…
Pack charcoal
+Pack charcoal into 25‑kg sacks ensuring 18 sacks per pallet, compact each sack to the same density, mark pallets with batch code and date, then move to quarantine and notify stores for pickup.
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Operational databases
+Confirm boom pole maintenance today and append the check results to operational databases: microphone preamps…
Operational databases
+Confirm boom pole maintenance today and append the check results to operational databases: microphone preamps tested, cable impedance within spec, boom clamp torque set to 12 Nm, and note any parts needed for tomorrow's shoot.
The tools that do the workOperational databasesO*NET
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Says who?
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The logs, files & records this job keeps
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Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses