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Intermediate Field Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Field Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Field Operator in the United States is $70,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, an Intermediate Field Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,823
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,373 to $78,503
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,828
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Field Operator Salaries

An Intermediate Field Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Intermediate Field Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate Field Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry Field Operator (0-1 years): $62,925
  • Intermediate Field Operator (1-3 years): $70,443
  • Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Senior (3-5 years): $86,690
  • Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Specialist (5-7 years): $95,713
  • Field Operations Coordinator (7+ years): $113,049
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Field Operator0-1 years$62,925
Intermediate Field Operator1-3 years$70,443
Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Senior3-5 years$86,690
Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Specialist5-7 years$95,713
Field Operations Coordinator7+ years$113,049
View as Graph

How Do Intermediate Field Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Intermediate Field Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $78,013.
  • California: $77,713.
  • Massachusetts: $76,683.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Field Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $88,863
  • San Francisco: $87,893
  • Oakland: $86,043

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Field Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.42% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 1.9% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • HVAC (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): Designing, developing, maintaining, and updating Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Cooling system.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.42%
Schematic 1.9%
HVAC 1.17%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Intermediate Field Operator's salary.

  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Field Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Technical Support: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management $77,509
10%
Field Operations $77,509
10%
Technical Support $76,100
8%
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Intermediate Field Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Field Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,745. While startup companies pay approximate $66,611.

Intermediate Field Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $66,611
Growth Stage 51~500 $70,447
Established 501~5000 $76,039
Enterprise 5000+ $78,745

Intermediate Field Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Field Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 24% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Field Operator positions in Financial Services or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Field Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Field Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$78,919$38.012%
Construction$77,509$37.010%
Aerospace & Defense$76,100$37.08%
Retail & Wholesale$75,395$36.07%
Media$74,691$36.06%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Field Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Field Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Intermediate Field Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $70,098 and $73,940).

Intermediate Field Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Field Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 28.6%
High School 28.6%
Associates 21.4%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Intermediate Field Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate Field Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$64,373
Average $70,463/year
$78,503
$5,364
Average $5,872/month
$6,542
$1,238
Average $1,355/week
$1,510
$31
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,503 $6,542 $1,510 $38
Average $70,463 $5,872 $1,355 $34
25th Percentile $64,373 $5,364 $1,238 $31

Intermediate Field Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Field Operator

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Field Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
On-site Support Technician III $69,890 -1%
Electro/Mechanical Equipment Field Support Technician III $70,000 -1%
Energy Systems Rental Customer Service Manager $106,800 52%
Equipment Set Up and Monitoring Operator, Senior $86,700 23%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Field Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Field Operator

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate Field Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate Field Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate Field Operator?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Field Operator roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of an operator?

The highest salary for an Intermediate Field Operator is $81,903. In comparison, the median salary is $74,353, with a minimum salary of $67,593. This reflects a competitive pay scale for operators in the field, highlighting the potential for growth and advancement in this role.

3. Why does the oilfield pay so much?

The oilfield offers competitive salaries due to the demanding nature of the work and the skills required. For Intermediate Field Operators, salaries range from $67,593 to $81,903, with a median of $74,353. Offshore positions often pay more, reflecting the challenges and extended time away from home.

4. What is the highest paying oilfield job?

The highest paying oilfield job roles include Chief Operating Officer (COO) with an average salary of $832,181, followed by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at $439,441, and Drilling Manager at $143,953. For Intermediate Field Operators, salaries range from $67,593 to $81,903, with a mid-salary of $74,353, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry.

5. Why do oilfield workers make so much?

Oilfield workers earn competitive salaries, with Intermediate Field Operators making between $67,593 and $81,903 annually, reflecting the challenging working conditions and inherent risks of the job. These workers often endure demanding schedules, such as 14 days on followed by 21 days off, which further justifies their higher pay.

6. What job is the most profitable?

The most profitable job can vary, but roles like Physician, Medical Director, and Chief Financial Officer often top the list. For example, an Intermediate Field Operator earns between $67,593 and $81,903, with a mid-salary of $74,353, showcasing competitive compensation in the industry. High-demand positions typically offer substantial financial rewards.

7. How much does a field operator make?

An Intermediate Field Operator typically earns between $67,593 and $81,903 annually, with a median salary of $74,353. While some cities may offer lower salaries, the range for this position reflects the potential for higher earnings based on experience and location.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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