Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$52,120
per year
Hourly Rate
$25.06
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-16% vs US median
US median $61,770
State Rank
#29 of 37
80 employed here

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

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers in Tennessee take home a median of $52,120 annually — roughly $25.06 an hour — which runs 16% below the national median of $61,770.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $35,440 while the top 10% make $62,810 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,770 and $57,050 a year.

Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,440$17.04
25th percentile (early career)$36,770$17.68
50th percentile (median)$52,120$25.06
75th percentile (experienced)$57,050$27.43
90th percentile (top earners)$62,810$30.20

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 29th 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($52,120) 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 Tennessee?
The median Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers salary in Tennessee is $52,120 per year, or about $25.06 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,440 at the entry level to $62,810 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers about 16% less than the national median of $61,770. Tennessee ranks 29th out of 37 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $52,120 a year. About 80 Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.