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Hydraulic Choke Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

Description A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart ...

Description A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

Description A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart ...

Description A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding ...

A Hydraulic Choke Operator Assistant performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and ...

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Hydraulic Choke information

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$14

$25

$45

How much do hydraulic choke jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic choke in the United States is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydraulic choke operator?

A hydraulic choke operator is a worker responsible for controlling and adjusting hydraulic chokes used in oil and gas drilling operations to regulate fluid flow and pressure. They typically operate specialized equipment, monitor pressure readings, and ensure safe and efficient well control, often requiring knowledge of hydraulic systems and safety protocols.

What is choke in drilling?

In drilling, a choke is a valve used to control the flow rate and pressure of drilling fluids during well operations. It helps maintain well control and manage pressure fluctuations, especially during well control situations like blowouts or kick management. Proper use of chokes is essential for safe and efficient drilling operations, often requiring specialized training and equipment.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Choke vs Wellhead Technician?

AspectHydraulic ChokeWellhead Technician
CertificationsHydraulic system certifications, safety trainingWell control, safety, and equipment certifications
Work EnvironmentOilfield, drilling rigs, well sitesWellhead installations, maintenance at well sites
Employer & IndustryOil & gas exploration, drilling companiesOil & gas operators, service companies

Hydraulic Chokes primarily focus on controlling fluid flow during drilling and production, requiring hydraulic system knowledge. Wellhead Technicians handle wellhead equipment installation and maintenance, often working closely with hydraulic systems. Both roles are essential in oilfield operations, but they differ in specific responsibilities and certifications.

What is the choke manifold operation?

A hydraulic choke operator manages the choke manifold, which controls fluid flow and pressure during well control operations. It adjusts the choke valve to regulate pressure and flow rate, ensuring safe and efficient drilling or production processes. Proper operation requires understanding of pressure differentials and valve control techniques.

What is the work of choke?

A hydraulic choke is used in oil and gas operations to control the flow rate and pressure of fluids during drilling, production, or well testing. The choke operator adjusts the valve to maintain safe and efficient flow conditions, often requiring knowledge of pressure control and safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Hydraulic Choke Operator, you need a strong understanding of well control principles, hydraulic systems, and field operations, often supported by technical training or certification in oil and gas well operations. Familiarity with hydraulic choke equipment, pressure control systems, and monitoring software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe and efficient control of well pressure during drilling or intervention operations, minimizing risks and downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by hydraulic choke operators in the oil and gas industry?

Hydraulic choke operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise pressure control during drilling or well intervention operations, especially in high-pressure environments. They must stay vigilant to prevent equipment failure or blowouts, which requires a thorough understanding of hydraulic systems and strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with drilling and well control teams is also crucial to coordinate real-time adjustments and ensure smooth operations. Operators should be prepared to work in fast-paced, sometimes remote environments where quick problem-solving and adaptability are essential.

What is a hydraulic choke?

A hydraulic choke is a type of flow control device used in oil and gas operations to regulate the pressure and flow rate of drilling fluids, hydrocarbons, or other liquids. It works by adjusting a valve, which can be controlled remotely or automatically using hydraulic power. Hydraulic chokes are essential for maintaining well control, managing pressure surges, and ensuring safe drilling and production processes. They are commonly found on choke manifolds and are critical during well testing, managed pressure drilling, and well control operations.
More about Hydraulic Choke jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydraulic Choke jobs? Cities with the most Hydraulic Choke job openings:
What states have the most Hydraulic Choke jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Choke jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Choke job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 13% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 63% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,636 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Hydraulic Choke Operator

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Fesco

Edinburg, TX

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding hydraulic chokes used in the field as well as operating this equipment from a command center. They must have knowledge of well testing equipment and the ability to diagnose, repair and troubleshoot malfunctions when needs arise. Basic computer knowledge is a must in order to perform data entry and to generate field reports. Ensure accurate collection and reporting of well production flowrates are documented as per internal and/or client based guidelines. Workload consists of 75% field and 25% shop. They must have a a clean driving record with the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver's license (Class "A" CDL).

I. Field Work

A. Rigging up a portable separator and heater

  1. Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs.
  2. Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level.
  3. Hammer unions from ground level to above head level.
  4. Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8 lbs. to 12 lb. or larger sledgehammer or Electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing 60 lbs.
  5. Make up threaded connections with two (2) 24" pipe wrenches occasionally using a 36" pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
  6. Monitor and maintain hydraulic choke equipment during coiled tubing washes, frac flowback etc.
  7. Operate hydraulic choke controls within safe parameters of the designate equipment.
  8. Maintains and repairs all components of high pressure operation: flowline/connections, hydraulic choke manifolds, sand separators, test separators, flare stacks, gas busters and safety systems.

B. Rigging up flowback manifold and sand separator.

  1. Load fittings weighing 40 lbs .each.
  2. Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8lbs. or larger sledgehammer or electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing 60 lbs.
  3. Stoop, bend, twist, turn, and lift to align and join threaded components at heights from ground level to above head level.
  4. Carry and connect 15 foot long threaded pipe joints with a second person's assistance (1/4 joint weight 40 lbs.) Full 30' pipe joint weighs 140 lbs.
  5. Hammer union connections and screw threaded connections with 24" pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
  6. Perform all routine choke changes, blowdowns, tank strapping and pressure readings anytime or when directed.

Shop Work

  1. Load and unload field work equipment weighing 70 lbs. to/from a height of 36"to 60".
  2. Lift items and fittings weighing 30 lbs. placing them on shelves head high.
  3. Occasionally lift weights 70 lbs. to a height of 36" to 60".
  4. Wash any and all FESCO equipment.
  5. Clean and sweep shop
  6. Turn around equipment in order for it to be ready for the next job.

Safety

  1. In order to comply with Department of Transportation regulations, must be able to pass a "DOT" physical, secure and maintain at least a Class "B" CDL with an "H" endorsement.
  2. Work in all types of weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat and cold and high humidity) for extended periods of time.
  3. Work in a toxic environment (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas) while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus with full face sealed respiratory equipment weighing 30 lbs.
  4. Work at remote well locations 2 hours from the nearest medical facility.
  5. Work comfortably up to 15" above ground while wearing the appropriate fall protection equipment designated for the job.
  6. Close a large wellhead wing or master valve high or above in case of an emergency.
  7. Be mobile in the event of an emergency.
  8. Ability to evacuate a fellow employee in the event of an emergency.
  9. They will perform other duties assigned.
  10. They work under the direction of the District Manager.