Take on more complex work, mentoring and quality accountability while building evidence for the next formal step.
Compare roles and pay →Oil, gas & offshore · Skilled
Wellhead or field technician
Inspects and maintains assigned production wellhead or field equipment within a petroleum facility's pressure and permit controls.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$150k–$210kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextField coverage can be residential, DIDO, FIFO or offshore; travel and callout conditions need explicit review.
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Inspects and maintains assigned production wellhead or field equipment within a petroleum facility's pressure and permit controls. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Inspect valves and field instrumentation
- 02
Report pressure or integrity anomalies
- 03
Support authorised testing and maintenance
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Wellhead valves and controls
- 02
Pressure instruments
- 03
Field permits and records
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Relevant mechanical, instrumentation or production background for the assigned tasks
- 02
Facility-specific pressure, permit and emergency training
- 03
Well intervention remains a separately authorised specialist activity
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Field, equipment and pressure-system scope
- 02
Inspection and test evidence
- 03
Escalation and repair handover
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build process, mechanical or E&I field experience
- 02
Train on the operator's well and gathering assets
- 03
Progress within the defined technician scope
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Experience and verified scope
- 02
Roster, location and shift pattern
- 03
Employer, contract and allowances
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is this base salary, gross cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, point of hire, ordinary hours and overtime terms apply?
- 03
What duties, equipment and written authorities are included in the offer?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Operates or monitors a defined part of a gas-processing and liquefaction facility under its process-safety system.
Related role band: $175k–$230kMaintains mechanical equipment or electrical and instrumentation systems offshore within the technician's own trade and facility authorisation.
Related role band: $190k–$250kProgression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Sources and role examples
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 27 September 2026.