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Flowback Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

ZL Chemicals LTD

EOR Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

... flowback activities, and customer communication while serving as the primary point of coordination between internal teams, operators, and third-party service providers. The successful candidate will ...

ZL Chemicals LTD

EOR Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... flowback activities, and customer communication while serving as the primary point of coordination between internal teams, operators, and third-party service providers. The successful candidate will ...

Diablo Convoy

Production Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Collaborate with operations to adjust choke settings, lift parameters, and flowback strategies ... Track daily lease operating expenses (LOE) and optimize field cost drivers. * Create or review AFEs ...

MEPUSA

Reservoir Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Provide Reservoir Engineering support for operated and non-operated assets as well as business ... flowback management, refracs, and data gathering programs as needed. * Build and optimize long-term ...

Woodside Energy

Operations Readiness Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally in the development of operating procedures and transfer of enduring ... flowback facilities and procedures for initial well startup. * Implement and enforce safety ...

All JobsFlowback Operator JobsFlowback Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Flowback Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do flowback operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for flowback operator in Houston, TX is $19.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.83 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 removing fluids and debris from the well to ensure proper production. They operate specialized equipment, monitor pressure and flow rates, and follow safety protocols to optimize well performance. This role often requires technical skills, knowledge of well operations, and adherence to safety standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Flowback operators in the oil and gas industry can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and overtime. These roles typically require technical skills, safety training, and working in field environments, often without a college degree. High-paying skilled trades like commercial diving or certain construction roles can also reach similar weekly earnings without formal degrees.

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 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.

How much do flowback operators make?

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

How to become a flowback operator?

To become a flowback operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience in oil and gas operations. Training on equipment such as flowback units and safety protocols is essential, and certifications like H2S awareness or OSHA safety training are often required. Physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments and variable schedules are also important.

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.
More about Flowback Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Flowback Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Flowback Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Flowback Operator jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Flowback Operator job openings:
Flowback Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flowback Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Full Time, 82% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 22% Physical, 16% Hybrid, and 62% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,402 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
EOR Project Manager

EOR Project Manager

ZL Chemicals LTD

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: $120,000 $140,000

Position: EOR Project Manager

Location - Houston, TX (with travel to suppliers and field locations)

Base Salary: $120,000 $140,000


About ZL Chemicals Ltd.

ZL Chemicals Ltd. is a dynamic and rapidly growing international chemical manufacturing company providing high-performance polymer solutions to customers across Canada, the United States, and the Gulf region.

Driven by innovation, safety, and collaboration, we are committed to delivering exceptional product quality and service excellence while fostering a professional, supportive, and growth-oriented work environment.


Position Summary

The EOR Project Manager will lead the execution of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) chemical deployment projects across active oilfield operations, ensuring safe, and efficient delivery of multi-well treatment programs. This role is responsible for coordinating field operations, chemical manufacturing and logistics, subcontractors, pressure pumping services, flowback activities, and customer communication while serving as the primary point of coordination between internal teams, operators, and third-party service providers. The successful candidate will drive operational execution, troubleshoot field issues, maintain compliance with HSE and QA/QC standards, and support the successful scale-up of EOR operations across multiple customer locations.


Key Responsibilities

  • Demonstrated experience managing field deployment of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), chemical injection, stimulation, or production enhancement programs in active oilfield operations.
  • Strong operational project management background involving execution-phase oilfield services rather than solely FEED, EPC, engineering design, or office-based project management activities.
  • Experience coordinating multi-well chemical injection or stimulation campaigns across multiple well pads, basins, or customer locations.
  • Practical experience managing third-party toll blending operations for specialty oilfield chemical formulations, including oversight of blend recipes, production scheduling, inventory management, and supplier coordination.
  • Experience managing QA/QC processes associated with chemical blending operations, including review of Certificates of Analysis (COAs), batch traceability, product testing, specification compliance, and non-conformance resolution.
  • Understanding of chemical manufacturing, handling, storage, and transportation requirements associated with oilfield chemical deployment programs.
  • Experience coordinating chemical logistics across the United States, including rail movements, bulk liquid transportation, ISO tank logistics, transloading operations, and last-mile delivery to wellsites.
  • Working knowledge of DOT hazardous material transportation requirements and operational considerations associated with movement of oilfield chemicals.
  • Experience coordinating pressure pumping services and field execution contractors for stimulation, injection, or treatment operations.
  • Ability to coordinate and manage multiple third-party service providers simultaneously, including pressure pumping companies, chemical suppliers, trucking providers, flowback contractors, laboratories, and rental equipment vendors.
  • Familiarity with wellsite setup and coordination of field equipment including frac tanks, ISO tanks, chemical dosing systems, pumping spreads, flowlines, separators, manifolds, and flowback equipment.
  • Experience overseeing operational readiness activities including scheduling, mobilization, rig-up, pressure testing, execution tracking, and demobilization.
  • Practical understanding of flowback operations and post-treatment production monitoring associated with EOR or stimulation campaigns.
  • Experience coordinating chemical treatment programs during flowback operations, including management of antifoam, demulsifier, iron control, surfactant, or emulsion mitigation programs.
  • Strong operational troubleshooting capability during live field operations, including the ability to respond to changing well conditions, equipment issues, logistics interruptions, and chemical performance concerns.
  • Ability to manage simultaneous operational workstreams involving chemical supply, field execution, logistics, subcontractor coordination, and customer communication.
  • Strong commercial awareness with experience tracking operational costs, service company charges, chemical consumption, and project budgets during active field campaigns.
  • Experience working directly with oilfield operators, production teams, completions teams, and field supervisors in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Familiarity with HSE requirements associated with chemical handling, pressure pumping, high-pressure iron, flowback operations, and transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Strong communication and coordination skills with the ability to manage field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and customer stakeholders during active operations.
  • Preference for candidates with hands-on operational deployment experience rather than candidates whose experience is limited primarily to engineering design, FEED studies, EPC management, or office-based capital project execution.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of project management experience in oil & gas operations, with strong preference for EOR in unconventional wells, or production chemicals
  • Proven track record managing field operations involving pressure pumping and flowback services
  • Experience working with major oil and gas operators is highly preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects under uncertainty
  • Strong understanding of project governance, RACI, procurement processes, and risk management


Key Competencies

  • Rapid learning agility and strong problem-solving in dynamic field environments
  • Drive to take on increasing responsibility and contribute to company growth
  • Strong ownership of outcomes and resilience under pressure
  • Influences stakeholders, builds effective relationships, and drives change across teams


Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $120,000 $140,000 (based on experience)
  • Performance-based bonus tied to deployment and operational success
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Travel and field support expenses covered
  • Opportunity to grow with a high-impact, technology-driven organization


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.