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Relief Pumper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Steel Partners

NM Relief Operator

Farmington, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Energy Services Ltd

ND Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Partners

TX Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Partners

ND Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Energy Services Ltd

TX Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Partners

ND Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Partners Holdings LP

TX Relief Operator

Andrews, TX · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Energy Services Ltd

NM Relief Operator

Farmington, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Energy Services Ltd

ND Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Energy Services Ltd

TX Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Steel Partners

TX Relief Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down ... pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and ...

Go Coil II

Equipment Operator - Coiled Tubing

Midland, TX · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Perform a pass down to the relief pump operator with the current operational status of the pumping equipment. * Monitors the pumping unit conditions during coiled tubing operations to alert senior ...

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Relief Pumper information

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$13

$25

$46

How much do relief pumper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief pumper in the United States is $25.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Relief Pumper faces when covering multiple routes or wells?

Relief Pumpers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to different sites, each with unique equipment, maintenance histories, and operational procedures. They must be detail-oriented to accurately record production data and identify potential issues, even when working with unfamiliar setups. Effective communication with regular pumpers and supervisors is essential to ensure a seamless handover and maintain consistent production. Additionally, time management skills are crucial, as Relief Pumpers may need to cover more ground in a shorter period compared to regular field staff.

What is the difference between Relief Pumper vs Drilling Pumper?

AspectRelief PumperDrilling Pumper
CertificationsCPR, H2S, OSHACPR, H2S, OSHA
Work EnvironmentOil & gas sites, well sitesDrilling rigs, well sites
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport and assist primary pumpers, handle equipmentOperate pumps during drilling operations, manage fluid transfer

Relief Pumpers and Drilling Pumpers both work in oil and gas environments and often share certifications like OSHA and H2S safety training. Relief Pumpers primarily support the primary pumpers by providing backup and handling equipment, while Drilling Pumpers are directly involved in operating pumps during drilling operations. The roles are similar in work environment but differ in daily responsibilities, with Relief Pumpers focusing on support tasks and Drilling Pumpers on active operation.

What are relief pumpers?

Relief pumpers are skilled workers in the oil and gas industry responsible for temporarily overseeing the operation and maintenance of oil and gas wells, particularly when the regular pumper is unavailable. Their duties include monitoring production, checking equipment, recording data, and ensuring safe and efficient site operations. Relief pumpers often travel between different well sites and must be knowledgeable about various equipment and safety procedures. This role requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work independently.

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

To thrive as a Relief Pumper, you need a solid understanding of oil and gas production operations, mechanical aptitude, and relevant safety training, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, production reporting software, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in monitoring equipment and coordinating with teams. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable field operations.
What states have the most Relief Pumper jobs? States with the most job openings for Relief Pumper jobs include:
Relief Pumper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Pumper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,454 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

NM Relief Operator

Steel Partners

Farmington, NM • On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected status under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other laws. Please inform a personnel representative if you need accommodation to participate in the application process.
MAIN FUNCTIONS:
Under the circumstances that the Rig Operator is not able to complete his job duties as assigned the Relief Operator will assume the role of Operator. Under the direction of a Rig Manager, the Rig Relief Operator organizes the rig crew (Floor Hands and Derrick Hands), conducts Job Safety Meetings, delegates the collection of materials and equipment needed to perform the contracted services, drives the Rig to the work site, operates the rig and equipment and directs the crew to set-up and prepare the rig for the tasks to be performed. Directs the assigned floor hands and derrick hands to safely perform the service tasks contracted by a client utilizing the equipment provided by the employer; documents services performed, the billable supplies used during the process and the time elapsed while performing the contracted services. The Rig Relief Operator uses specialized equipment to guide instruments, tubing, and casing down holes. He must keep his working environment in a clean and organized fashion and is responsible for ensuring that all the equipment he uses is in proper working order. Relief Operators' duties also include cleaning, fueling, repairing, and maintaining workover rig equipment to include greasing, changing oils and lubricants as needed and on a regularly scheduled basis.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Available to work beyond the traditional 8-hour workday; available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, to meet operational needs. Well services work is generally performed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, occasionally on Saturday and or Sunday. Certain operations cannot, however, be completed during a single daylight period and must be continued without interruption, over several consecutive days. Such operations are referred to as "24-hour operations," and require two or more shifts, crews, to operate the rig. Able to work at heights up to or greater than 50 feet.
  • Dependability is imperative. Reporting for work at the prescribed location and time, dressed for deployment to work, is essential. Unauthorized absences will result in discipline up to and including employment termination.
  • Performing maintenance services and repairs on oil and gas wells as part of a three-to-five-person crew.
  • Lead the daily pre-job tailgate safety meetings and writing JHA's.
  • Inspecting and documenting all lift equipment on location including but not limited to derrick harness, lanyard, SRL's, chains and cables, drill line and sand line.
  • Lead the crew in the rigging up and rigging down of the workover Rig in a safe manner and performing/documenting post rig up inspections.
  • Pulling and laying down Rods, Tubing and Casing by operating the rig controls.
  • Guide and manage the rig crew daily.
  • Assist in training and mentoring SSE employees and floor hands as needed.
  • Assist Rig Manager in various tasks anywhere on the rig as directed by Rig Manager
  • Driving company vehicles such as the Crew pick-up truck and the Rig.
  • Workshop and SWS Yard maintenance and repair work as required.
  • Assist Steel Energy Services management personnel as required.
  • Prepare rig tickets correctly and in a timely fashion to include correct pricing on rig rates, re-billable items, manage hours for crew members daily.
  • Position the rig, raise, and lower the mast. Direct other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lift, remove, install, and operate wellhead, pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads and other production equipment in a manner consistent with safe operating procedures to perform the contracted services.
  • Complies with the client's and the company's safe operating procedures. All activities are to be performed consistent with the company's Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, the equipment; and complete the tasks efficiently.
  • Incumbent employees are expected to participate in company provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and safe work procedures.
  • Complies with the client's and the company's safe operating procedures. All activities are to be performed consistent with the company's Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, the equipment; and complete the tasks efficiently.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school Diploma, GED or equivalent
  • 1-2 years of Floor Hand experience
  • 1-2 years of Derrick hand experience
  • Advanced Problem solving and organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer service, interpersonal skills and verbal / written English communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, run pipe Talley's, figure pipe weights, keep good pipe counts, know how to space out pumping units, run and pull ESP's, know pipe torques specifications, pick up and operate power swivel and principles of operating mud pumps.
  • Supervisory level of well control training
  • Class B CDL license to drive workover rig (not required-but encouraged)
  • Ability to bend, stoop, and lift objects of up to seventy-five pounds (75#) for extended periods of time.
  • Basic Computer skills
  • This position requires standing, walking, and sitting while working either indoors or outdoors.
  • Ability to pass company's pre-employment exam that also consists of a drug screen and physical.
  • Acceptable criminal history
  • Ability to read, write and speak English to the extent that they can understand verbal and written instructions as well as give verbal and written instructions in English; and the ability to use simple mathematical calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication) to make job related calculations.

"We look to hire diverse talent and ensure that we treat you with respect and support throughout the interview process and if you join Steel Energy, we embrace diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive and be included in all workplace opportunities."

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