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Flowback Operator Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Flowback Operator

El Reno, OK

$15 - $19.75/hr

A Flowback Operator (FBO) is primarily responsible for location setup, drill-out, frac watch/support, well testing procedures and reporting procedures. Furthermore, the individual will ensure quality ...

Flowback Operator (Oklahoma)

El Reno, OK · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

A Flowback Operator (FBO) is primarily responsible for location setup, drill-out, frac watch/support, well testing procedures and reporting procedures. Furthermore, the individual will ensure quality ...

Flowback Operator information

See Oklahoma salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do flowback operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for flowback operator in Oklahoma is $18.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Flowback Operator, you need a solid understanding of oil and gas production processes, mechanical aptitude, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant field experience. Familiarity with flowback equipment, pressure monitoring systems, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to changing site conditions. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient well operations and minimizing environmental and operational risks.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

High-paying jobs that can reach $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs, specialized medical professionals like surgeons and anesthesiologists, and certain experienced professionals in finance, law, or technology. These roles often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes ownership or leadership positions within organizations.

What are Flowback Operators?

Flowback Operators are professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for managing the flowback process after a well has been hydraulically fractured. Their main job is to monitor and control the flow of fluids, such as water, oil, and gas, that return to the surface once the well is opened. They ensure equipment is functioning properly, collect and analyze samples, and maintain safety standards on site. Flowback Operators play a critical role in the initial production phase, helping maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This position often requires working long hours in challenging outdoor conditions.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Flowback Operators in the oil and gas industry can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand regions. These roles often require certifications, physical stamina, and the ability to operate heavy equipment in challenging environments.

How much do flowback operators make?

Flowback operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company. Overtime, certifications, and working in remote or challenging environments can increase earnings.

What is the difference between Flowback Operator vs Wellhead Technician?

AspectFlowback OperatorWellhead Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOil and gas sites, outdoor, physically demandingOil and gas facilities, outdoor/indoor, technical tasks
Industry UsagePrimarily during well completion and flowback operationsDuring wellhead installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Both roles require safety certifications and technical training, often working on-site in the oil and gas industry. While Flowback Operators focus on managing flowback operations during well completion, Wellhead Technicians handle installation and maintenance of wellhead equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and career goals.

What Does a Flowback Operator Do?

As a flowback operator, you work at an oil and gas rig and monitor flowback equipment. Your responsibilities in this career include maintaining a safe work environment, recording measurements from a rig’s gauges, and replacing malfunctioning parts. You may also work with fluids like water. Your duties also include promoting every work safety procedure, maintaining interpersonal relationships with customers, and conducting various functionality tests on equipment. Quality control is a vital element of the job, as is developing the skills of other employees through mentorship. You might work onshore, offshore, or both in various geographical locations.

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

Flowback Operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating flow rates, handling high-pressure equipment safely, and troubleshooting mechanical issues under time constraints. The work can involve long shifts and exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially at remote drilling sites. Effective communication with the rig team and supervisors is essential to ensure safety and successful data collection, making teamwork and attention to detail critical skills in this role.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A flowback operator in the oil and gas industry can earn $10,000 or more per month with experience and specialized training, often without requiring a college degree. These roles involve operating equipment on drilling sites, and workers typically need safety certifications and technical skills. High-paying positions are usually found in regions with active energy production and may require working long shifts or in remote locations.
What are popular job titles related to Flowback Operator jobs in Oklahoma? For Flowback Operator jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Flowback Operator jobs? Cities in Oklahoma with the most Flowback Operator job openings:

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: A Flowback Operator (FBO) is primarily responsible for location setup, drill-out, frac watch/support, well testing procedures and reporting procedures. Furthermore, the individual will ensure quality control and safe operations during all aspects of the operations.

This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Abides by all Well Werks Energy Safety and Operational Policies and Procedures. Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies.
  • Must abide by all Customer Safety policies and procedures while on customers job site.
  • Installs, repairs, removes and maintains various company tools and equipment, and exhibit proficiency within a six month period.
  • Monitor well fluids and gases and report accurately.
  • Operate Flowback equipment such as Choke Manifolds, Separators, Flow Back tanks, Bulk Oilfield tanks.
  • Monitor the production capability of a well, anticipate changes in production capability over time, determine the reservoir drive mechanism, capture of drilled out plug parts, clean-up of frac fluids and sand, collect fluid and gas samples of the well to monitor changes in production and assess the well capability.
  • Regularly inspects company equipment for preventative maintenance purposes. Assures proper operation, maintenance, applications and document repairs and/or damages of company equipment in a timely manner.
  • Completes all paperwork on a daily basis in a timely manner as required by company and supervisor, including preparation and timely submission of accurate and thorough completion of all paperwork including, but not limited to, timesheet, KPA, JSA, Rig-Up & Rig-Down Sheets, Job Checklists, and Loadout Forms.
  • Work in the shop/yard testing, repairing, cleaning, painting and maintaining equipment and parts as needed.
  • With the assistance of other operators and employee, unloads and assembles the equipment to be used, sets up the service units, and assists the rig up/down as needed.
  • Performs maintenance and reports on all company vehicles, and/or company owned and rental equipment.
  • May oversee job site services and provide direction to onsite labor when needed.
  • Assists in the shop and make deliveries when available.
  • Assists in pre-job safety meetings to include review of job safety analysis (JSA) process.
  • Maintains open lines of communication with District Manager and various customers before, during and after job completion. Ensures management is appropriately informed of area activities and attends meetings as required.
  • Drives on Company business on a daily basis in a safe manner, observing all company and government regulations, between each district and off site locations at scheduled time.
  • Must have certifications to operate forklifts. Telehandlers, man lifts and other necessary equipment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

SPECIALIZED DUTIES BY LEVEL:

  • Level I (6 months minimum or cumulative 1 year previous experience):
  • Learn functions and mechanic of the equipment used in the multiple services provided in Well Testing to include safety systems, pumps, valves, rigging mechanisms, pressure testing equipment, 1502 iron, plug valves, plug valve manifolds, plug catchers/part catchers, sand traps, test separators, flare stacks, generators, pumps/filter pods, compressors SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, hydraulics and combustors.
  • Learn to accurately collect, measure and record applicable data including but not limited to recording tank levels.
  • Learn to perform testing as required by customer including but not limited to collecting gas samples, API, Chlorides, Salinity, BS&W, Grind Out, etc.
  • Learn to tear down and reassemble gate valves, plug valves, dump valves, back pressure valves, and pilots.
  • Learn to effectively communicate well performance through the use of well testing reporting, typically through Excel spreadsheets and/or custom client programs.
  • Learn to communicate with managers, Service Company, third party monitors and company personnel on location.
  • Learn to troubleshoot and replace malfunctioning parts on company equipment as well as on completion and production equipment as needed.
  • Learn to maintain equipment repair logs as needed.
  • Learn SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
  • Learn to communicate with operator representatives on reports/paperwork including but not limited to damage reports, invoices, equipment tracking, etc.
  • Assist in all drillout operations.
  • Level II (12 months minimum or cumulative 1-2 years' previous experience):
  • Operate the equipment used in the multiple services provided in Well Testing to include safety systems, pumps, valves, rigging mechanisms, pressure testing equipment, 1502 iron, plug valves, plug valve manifolds, plug catchers/part catchers, sand traps, test separators, flare stacks, generators, pumps/filter pods, compressors SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, hydraulics and combustors with limited supervision.
  • Must be able to accurately collect, measure and record applicable data.
  • Must be able to perform testing as required by customer including but not limited to collecting gas samples, APU, Chlorides, Salinity, BS&W, Grind Out, etc.
  • Must be able to tear down and reassemble gate valves, plug valves, dump valves, back pressure valves, and pilots.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate well performance through the use of well testing reporting, typically through Excel spreadsheets and/or custom client programs.
  • Must be able to communicate with managers, Service Company, third party monitors and company personnel on location.
  • Must be able to troubleshoot and replace any/all malfunctioning parts on location as needed.
  • Must be able to maintain equipment repair logs as needed.
  • Knowledgeable on the SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
  • Must be able to communicate with operator representatives on reports/paperwork including but not limited to damage reports, invoices, equipment tracking, etc.
  • Training and mentoring Level I Flowback Operators.
  • Learn the operation procedures, processes and materials used by the various service companies on location.
  • Learn to figure/calculate bottoms up and oil/gas ratios, choke coefficients, fluid/gas rates.
  • Learn to rig-up, operate, and troubleshoot multi-well ESD systems.
  • Learn the testing practices that give most accurate data from testing equipment, including but not limited to, critical flow, differential setting, back pressure, etc.
  • Assist in drillout and begin leading drill out on night operations.
  • Level III (18 months minimum or cumulative 2-4 years' previous experience):
  • Operate the equipment used in the multiple services provided in Well Testing to include safety systems, pumps, valves, rigging mechanisms, pressure testing equipment, 1502 iron, plug valves, plug valve manifolds, plug catchers/part catchers, sand traps, test separators, flare stacks, generators, pumps/filter pods, compressors SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, hydraulics and combustor without direct supervision.
  • Learn functions and mechanic of the SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, and hydraulics.
  • Proficient in performing testing as required by customer including but not limited to collecting gas samples, APU, Chlorides, Salinity, BS&W, Grind Out, etc.
  • Direct communication with managers, Service Company, third party monitors and Company personnel on job progress, operations, etc.
  • Learn to document any and all necessary repairs/maintenance on equipment and communicate with Yard Manager.
  • Proficient on the SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
  • Training and mentoring Level I & II Flowback Operators.
  • Knowledgeable of the operation procedures, processes and materials used by the various service companies on location.
  • Must be able to figure/calculate bottoms up and oil/gas ratios, choke coefficients, fluid/gas rates.
  • Must be able to rig-up, operate, and troubleshoot multi-well ESD systems, and assist with coordination of all equipment and crew during rig-up and rig-down.
  • Knowledgeable of testing practices that give most accurate data from testing equipment, including but not limited to, critical flow, differential setting, back pressure, etc.
  • Assist during the completion of the well, including checking plug catchers, replacing washed out equipment, taking return rates for the operating company, working with the Coil Tubing Unit, snubbing unit and work-over rig in completion of the well.
  • Learn to coordinate all procedures, shut down systems, choke manifolds, separation activities and calculations as projects require to ensure all well data is as accurate as possible.
  • Learn all phases of the well testing services being provided on customer locations, including well testing equipment, operations, and services including rig-up, completions, production and rig-down.
  • Begin lead on day operations.
  • Level IV (18 months minimum or cumulative 5+ years' previous experience):
  • Operate the equipment used in the multiple services provided in Well Testing to include pumps, valves, rigging mechanisms, pressure testing equipment, SandX tanks, Superloops, DeSanders, hydraulics, 1502 iron, plug valves, plug valve manifolds, plug catchers/part catchers, sand traps, test separators, flare stacks, compressors and combustors without supervision and with advanced proficiency.
  • Provide technical expertise and perform testing as required by customer including but not limited to collecting gas samples, API, Chlorides, Salinity, BS&W, Grind Out, etc.
  • Document any and all necessary repairs/maintenance on equipment and communicate with Yard Manager.
  • Technical expertise on the SOP processes and work instructions for the multiple services provided in the Well Testing Product Line per specific district.
  • Training, mentoring and supervision of Level I, II & III Flowback Operators.
  • Technical expertise of the operation procedures, processes and materials used by the various service companies on location.
  • Keep a general flow report for the gas, oil, water, and prop that is produced by the well.
  • Coordinate all equipment and crew during rig-up/rig-down of each well.
  • Must have extensive knowledge of testing practices that give most accurate data from testing equipment, including but not limited to, critical flow, differential settings, back pressure, etc.
  • Must be able to provide technical expertise and assist the actual completion of the well, which may consist of checking plug catchers, replacing washed out equipment, taking return rates for the Operating Company, working with the coil tubing unit, and work-over rigs in the completion of the well.
  • Must be able to coordinate all procedures, shut down systems, choke manifolds, separation activities and calculations as projects require to ensure all well data is as accurate as possible.
  • Maintains and oversees all phases of the well testing services being provided on customer locations. Requires high level knowledge of well testing equipment, operations, and services including rig-up, completions, production and rig-down.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Must be proficient with a computer/laptop.
  • Ability to work and drive in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to travel to other facilities, if required.
  • Ability to think quickly in emergency type of situations on job site locations.
  • Ability to operate hand tools.
  • Basic math and algebra skills.
  • Must have mechanical abilities.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
  • Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating, and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Familiar with tools and equipment utilized by company, preferred

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Must be able to travel for extensive amount of days and be on call 24/7.
  • Must maintain a safe driving record as prescribed by company policy.
  • Must successfully pass pre- and post-employment drug and alcohol tests per company policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to frequently lift and move materials up to 75 pounds or less unassisted. Anything 76 lbs. or more requires mechanical assistance or a team lift.
  • Requires pushing and pulling up to 140 pounds of force, bending, standing, kneeling, carrying, sitting, climbing for extended periods of time each day.
  • Must be able to swing 8-10 pound hammer repetitively.
  • Requires appropriate PPE to be worn; safety glasses, steel toe boots, ear plugs etc....
  • Requires exposure to moderate noise levels.
  • Exposure to warm, hot and cold temperatures.