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Flowback Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prime Well Solutions

Flowback Operator 3 - Midland

Midland, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

A Flowback Operator (Operator 3) is primarily responsible for location setup, drill-out, frac watch/support, well testing procedures and reporting procedures. Furthermore, the individual will ensure ...

WELL WERKS ENERGY LLC

Flowback Operator I

Brownsboro, TX

$16 - $21/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 ...

WELL WERKS ENERGY LLC

Flowback Operator I

Towanda, PA

$16 - $21/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 ...

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How much do flowback operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for flowback operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 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 is a flowback operator?

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 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.

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. Overtime, certifications, and familiarity with hydraulic fracturing equipment can influence salary levels.
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Flowback Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flowback Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Flowback Operator 3 - Midland

Prime Well Solutions

Midland, TX • On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: A Flowback Operator (Operator 3) 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Abides by all Prime Well Solutions, LLC 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 customer's job site.
  • Installs, repairs, removes and maintains various company tools and equipment, and exhibits proficiency within a six-month period.
  • Monitor well fluids and gases and report accurately.
  • Operate Flowback equipment such as Choke Manifolds, Sand Separators, Test Separators, Production Facilities, Flow Back tanks, etc.
  • 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, solids, 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, timesheets, iScout, DVIR, JSA, Safety Observations, etc.
  • With the assistance of other operators and employees, 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 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.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIALIZED DUTIES OPERATOR 3:
  • Operator 3 (24 months minimum or cumulative 3+ 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, and third-party tanks without direct supervision.
  • Proficient in performing testing as required by customer including but not limited to collecting gas samples, API, 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 by our company.
  • Training and mentoring Level I & II Flowback Operators.
  • Technical Expertise 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 and production 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.
  • May be required to be clean shaven.

COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interest; Able to build moral and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Safety & Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time
Competitive Pay Scale

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