Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers Salary in North Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in North Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Dakota Median
$81,400
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.13
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+32% vs US median
US median $61,770
State Rank
#2 of 37
70 employed here

How much does a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers make in North Dakota?

A Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers working in North Dakota earns a median salary of $81,400 per year, or about $39.13 per hour. That is 32% above the national median of $61,770 for this occupation.

Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $49,920 while the top 10% make $100,830 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,200 and $87,990 a year.

Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary range in North Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$49,920$24.00
25th percentile (early career)$57,200$27.50
50th percentile (median)$81,400$39.13
75th percentile (experienced)$87,990$42.30
90th percentile (top earners)$100,830$48.48

How North Dakota compares

North Dakota ranks 2nd out of 37 states and territories for Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$92,310
2North Dakota$81,400
3Alaska$80,210
4Wyoming$77,820
5Connecticut$71,890

Working as a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers in North Dakota

Nationally, about 10,000 people work as Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Dakota pay ($81,400) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers make in North Dakota?
The median Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary in North Dakota is $81,400 per year, or about $39.13 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $49,920 at the entry level to $100,830 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers about 32% more than the national median of $61,770. North Dakota ranks 2nd out of 37 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers?
Yes on pay — North Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $81,400 a year. About 70 Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers are employed in North Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in North Dakota include Surgeon, All Other ($604,890), Radiologist ($553,140), Physician, All Other ($454,550), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.