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Flow Back Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Hiland Dairy Foods

HIL - Filler Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

The Operator runs and maintains fillers in a continuous flow vat to process milk, cream, and other ... back continually for the duration of the shift. * Must be able to work in both very hot (more than ...

Hiland Dairy Foods

HIL - Filler Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

The Operator runs and maintains fillers in a continuous flow vat to process milk, cream, and other ... back continually for the duration of the shift. * Must be able to work in both very hot (more than ...

North Shore Steel

Production Operator - Slitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... flow during processing * Move between production cells as necessary to support workload demands ... back for lifting, reaching, and positioning tasks. * Ability to work safely in a warehouse ...

nVent

Fabrication Operator Lead

Houston, TX

Fill in for team members as needed to maintain seamless production flow, ensuring no disruptions ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Fabrication Operator Lead

Houston, TX

Fill in for team members as needed to maintain seamless production flow, ensuring no disruptions ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Fabrication Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

Fill in for team members as needed to maintain seamless production flow, ensuring no disruptions ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Fabrication Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

Fill in for team members as needed to maintain seamless production flow, ensuring no disruptions ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Machine Operator-Gasket

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... flow of work when absences occur (Vacation, PTO, Restroom breaks, etc.). * Be a change agent and ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Machine Operator-Gasket

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... flow of work when absences occur (Vacation, PTO, Restroom breaks, etc.). * Be a change agent and ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

nVent

Machine Operator-Gasket

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... flow of work when absences occur (Vacation, PTO, Restroom breaks, etc.). * Be a change agent and ... Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and ...

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All JobsFlow Back Operator JobsFlow Back Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Flow Back Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

$29

$65

How much do flow back operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for flow back operator in Houston, TX is $29.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $36.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a flowback operator do?

A flowback operator is responsible for managing the flowback process after hydraulic fracturing, which involves safely removing fluids and debris from a well. They operate specialized equipment, monitor pressure and flow rates, and ensure environmental and safety protocols are followed during the operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flow Back Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flow Back Operator, you need a solid understanding of oilfield operations, equipment handling, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant field experience. Familiarity with pressure control equipment, flowback testing systems, and industry-standard safety certifications like H2S and OSHA is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to changing site conditions and coordinate with team members. These capabilities are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient operations and minimizing environmental or operational risks in the oil and gas industry.

What are Flow Back Operators?

Flow Back Operators are oil and gas industry professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of fluids from a well during the completion and post-fracturing phases. They oversee the separation and measurement of water, oil, gas, and other byproducts that return to the surface after hydraulic fracturing or well testing. Their duties include operating valves, recording data, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. Flow Back Operators play a critical role in maximizing well performance and preventing environmental hazards.

What is the difference between Flow Back Operator vs Well Servicing Technician?

AspectFlow Back OperatorWell Servicing Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and safety certificationsRequires similar certifications, often including well control and safety training
Work EnvironmentOperates on drilling sites, handling flow back fluids and equipmentWorks on well sites, performing maintenance and servicing of equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in hydraulic fracturing and well completionUsed across well maintenance, repair, and servicing tasks

The main difference is that a Flow Back Operator focuses on managing flow back fluids during well completion, while a Well Servicing Technician handles broader well maintenance and servicing tasks. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities differ within the oil and gas industry.

How do I get into flowback?

To become a flowback operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant safety training and experience in oil and gas operations. Gaining certifications such as H2S safety and well control can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is common. Physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments are also important.

What are some common challenges faced by Flow Back Operators during well testing operations?

Flow Back Operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating pressures, ensuring the safe handling of hazardous fluids, and maintaining equipment in extreme weather conditions. Effective communication with drilling and production teams is essential to coordinate safe and efficient operations. Adapting quickly to changing well conditions and troubleshooting equipment issues are also key parts of the role. Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to safety can help address these challenges successfully.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Flow Back Operator typically earns around $4,000 per week depending on experience, location, and industry. High-paying roles in fields like oil and gas, construction, or specialized trades often do not require a college degree but may need technical training or certifications. These jobs usually involve physical work, operating heavy equipment, or technical skills.

How much does a flowback operator make?

A flowback operator typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Overtime, certifications, and familiarity with hydraulic fracturing equipment can influence salary levels.
What are popular job titles related to Flow Back Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Flow Back Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flow Back Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Flow Back Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Flow Back Operator jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Flow Back Operator job openings:
Flow Back Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flow Back Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,486 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Lab Technician II - Managed Pressure Drilling Flow Loop

Weatherford

Houston, TX

$18.25 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Weatherford rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Job Purpose                                       

The Flow Loop Mechanical Lab Technician (MPD) supports engineering and product line teams by conducting development testing by operating specialized flow loop systems, high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) systems, and other test systems that simulate operating conditions for various oil field tools.  This role focuses on evaluating managed pressure drilling (MPD) equipment performance, testing fluid behavior under dynamically controlled pressure conditions representative of real drilling operations and maintenance test facility.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Testing Operations 
  • Flow loop operation and testing
  • Set up, assemble, and execute test programs for Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems and oilfield drilling and completion tools.
  • Operate, and monitor MPD flow loop systems designed to simulate drilling conditions (surface back pressure (SBP), standpipe pressure (SPP), and pressure control scenarios)
  • Conduct validation testing of MPD equipment (chokes, flow meters, pressure sensors, control systems)
  • Perform functional testing of instrumentation and control systems
  • High pressure/High Temperature Testing
  • Set up, assemble, and execute test programs for various downhole and completion tools
  • Assist engineering with troubleshooting and evaluation of potential failure modes
  • Test Rig operation and support
  • Assist in setup and operations for various drilling and intervention tools on the WFT test rig
  • Support engineering with test execution, troubleshooting, and performance evaluations
  • Data Acquisition & Reporting
  • Collect, record, and monitor real-time test data using various data acquisition systems (PLCs, LabVIEW, Siemens-based systems, Canary Labs)
  • Assist in analyzing pressure dynamics and system behavior during testing
  • Export and compile test data for logs, test reports, and technical summaries
  • Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Inspect, calibrate, and maintain high pressure flow loops, pumps, valves, and instrumentation
  • Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation issues
  • Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment to ensure proper operation and maximize equipment longevity
  • Perform and/or assist with assembly, modification, and upgrades of test systems
  • Ensure tools, test equipment, and materials are maintained and stored properly
  • Lab Operations & Facility Support
  • Maintain flow loop and lab cleanliness, organization, and housekeeping (including 5S/lean practices)
  • Manage test equipment inventory and material handling (Forklifts, Hoists, Mobile Crane Unit, etc.)
  • Perform routine equipment checks before and after testing
  • Support continuous improvement of processes and procedures
  • Perform various other duties and activities assigned by supervisor within the physical constraints of the job

Experience & Education

REQUIRED 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 2-5+ years of related experience in any of the following:
  • Electrical/mechanical assembly
  • Flow loop operations
  • API R&D Design Validation Testing

PREFERRED

  • Associate degree or technical certification in: Petroleum Technology; Mechanical Engineering Technology; Electrical Engineering Technology; Process/Instrumentation Technology or equivalent practical experience
  • Experience in oil and gas industry or industrial environment
  • Operations/field experience in oil and gas
  • Drilling, well control, high-pressure systems or MPD related environments 
  • Experience with MPD systems or drilling simulators 
  • Downhole tools experience 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

REQUIRED 

  • Mechanical aptitude with knowledge of electrical, AC/DC circuits, and electro/mechanical devices
  • Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
  • Proficient with measuring instruments/devices (e.g. tapes, gauges, micrometer, callipers, etc.)
  • Proficient with basic hand tools (wrenches (pipe, chain, spanner), sledgehammers, screw drivers)
  • Familiarity with instrumentation and measurement devices (Flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Strong English communication skills (written, verbal and reading comprehension)
  • Time management skills 
  • Ability to lift approximately 25-50 lbs
  • Ability to work in indoor/outdoor environments and varying conditions

PREFERRED

  • Understanding of Managed Pressure Drilling principles
  • Familiarity with flow test equipment

o      Pumps (centrifugal, hydraulic, triplex, etc)

o      Flow hoses and connections (flanged, hammer union, etc.)

  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring schematics, hydraulic/flow schematics, mechanical drawings and assembly instructions
  • Knowledge of high pressure/high temperature testing

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