Average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Colorado
Service Unit Operators in the Oil and Gas sector in Colorado are earning an average annual salary of $65,460, which is notably higher than the national average of $61,540. This premium is often dictated by the specialized nature of the industry and the specific operational demands within Colorado's energy landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,730 Service Unit Operators, Colorado demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.3 indicates that this role is more than three times as common in Colorado compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established presence for this occupation within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in Colorado earns+6.4%above the national average.
$31.5
$1,259
$5,455
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Service Unit Operators in Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the energy sector. Factors such as inflation, increased operational complexity, and demand for skilled labor likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation.
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Colorado
Compensation for Service Unit Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,670 | $21.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $49,095 | $23.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,780 | $28.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $81,825 | $39.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $101,270 | $48.7 |
Detailed Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,047
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $65,460 in Colorado presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, the higher nominal salary suggests that purchasing power for Service Unit Operators in Colorado remains strong, potentially offering a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
2,730
Total Jobs
0.945
Per 1K Jobs
3.3
Location Quotient
Colorado has 3.3x the national concentration of Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Colorado's Location Quotient of 3.3 for Service Unit Operators signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates a strong regional demand for these skills, making the market competitive but also rich with opportunities for those in the field. The abundance of roles relative to the national average suggests that employers actively seek and value this specialized workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $73,940↑ 13% | 54 mi |
| Greeley, CO Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $57,510↓ 12% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gass?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in Colorado is $65,460. This typically ranges from $44,670 for entry-level positions to $101,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 6.4% higher than the national median of $61,540.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gass?
Yes, Colorado is a lucrative location for Service Unit Operators in the Oil and Gas industry.The average salary of $65,460 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 3.3) points to strong employer demand.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($73,940) and Greeley, CO.
How does Colorado's cost of living affect the Service Unit Operator salary?
While Colorado's cost of living is 5.5% higher than the national average, the average salary of $65,460 provides a strong nominal income that generally offsets this difference, maintaining good purchasing power.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.3 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.3 indicates that Service Unit Operator roles are more than three times as common in Colorado as they are nationwide, suggesting a robust job market with ample opportunities.
How many Service Unit Operators are there in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,730 Service Unit Operators within the Oil and Gas sector, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in this industry.
Are Service Unit Operator jobs in demand in Colorado?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 3.3 and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.945) strongly suggest that Service Unit Operator positions are in high demand within Colorado's Oil and Gas industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,730 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.945 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado