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Hydraulic Choke Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fesco

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Pecos, TX · On-site

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 ...

Fesco

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Lufkin, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Pecos, TX

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Lufkin, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Edinburg, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Alice, TX

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 ...

Fesco

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Alice, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Lufkin, TX · On-site

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 ...

FESCO LTD.

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Alice, TX · On-site

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 ...

Fesco

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Pecos, TX · On-site

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 ...

Fesco

Hydraulic Choke Operator Assistant

Lufkin, TX · On-site

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 Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do hydraulic choke operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic choke operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Choke Operator vs Wellhead Operator?

AspectHydraulic Choke OperatorWellhead Operator
CertificationsCPR, H2S, OSHACPR, H2S, OSHA
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, well control areasOffshore/onshore drilling sites, well control areas
Job FocusAdjusting choke valves to control well pressureManaging wellhead equipment and pressure control

Both Hydraulic Choke Operators and Wellhead Operators work in drilling environments, requiring similar certifications and safety training. The main difference lies in their focus: Hydraulic Choke Operators specifically control choke valves to regulate well pressure, while Wellhead Operators oversee the entire wellhead equipment. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient drilling operations.

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 solid understanding of well control procedures, mechanical systems, and safety regulations, often backed by relevant oilfield experience or technical training. Familiarity with hydraulic choke manifolds, pressure control equipment, and certifications like Well Control (IWCF or IADC) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure operational safety, prevent blowouts, and maintain efficient wellsite operations.

What are Hydraulic Choke Operators?

Hydraulic Choke Operators are specialized professionals who operate and maintain hydraulic choke equipment used in oil and gas drilling or well servicing operations. Their main responsibility is to control the flow and pressure of fluids within a wellbore, particularly during drilling, well control, or testing procedures. They monitor and adjust choke manifolds to ensure safe and efficient operations, prevent blowouts, and respond to pressure changes. Hydraulic Choke Operators must have strong technical knowledge of valves, pressure systems, and safety protocols to protect personnel and equipment.

What are some of the key challenges faced by Hydraulic Choke Operators in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Hydraulic Choke Operators often work in high-pressure environments where rapid decision-making and strong technical skills are crucial, especially during well control operations. Challenges include managing unexpected changes in well pressure, operating heavy equipment safely, and maintaining clear communication with the drilling team under stress. To address these challenges, operators should prioritize ongoing training, adhere strictly to safety protocols, and foster strong teamwork to ensure smooth coordination during critical operations.
More about Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs
What states have the most Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs are:
Hydraulic Choke Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Choke Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Hydraulic Choke Operator

Hydraulic Choke Operator

Fesco

Edinburg, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 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.

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