What is a Well Tester job? Pay, Job description, opportunities & more

A Well Tester plays a crucial role in determining whether an oil or gas well is commercially viable. This job sits at the intersection of well control, production testing, and safety, making it a high-responsibility role in oilfield operations.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a well tester does, salary expectations, required skills, career growth, and training needed to enter this field.

What is a Well Tester?

A Well Tester is responsible for measuring and analyzing the flow of hydrocarbons from a well during drilling, completion, or workover operations. The data collected helps operators decide whether to produce, stimulate, suspend, or abandon the well.

Well testing is commonly performed during:

• Drill Stem Testing (DST)

• Production testing

• Flowback operations

• Post-completion testing
  

Well Tester job description

A Well Tester’s day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Installing and operating well testing equipment

• Monitoring pressure, temperature, and flow rates

• Separating oil, gas, and water using test separators

• Recording and reporting test data to engineers and supervisors

• Ensuring well control and pressure integrity

• Detecting abnormal well behavior (kicks, pressure spikes)

• Following strict HSE and well control procedures

Because testing is done on live wells, attention to safety and detail is critical.

Types of Well Testing jobs

1. Surface Well Tester

• Operates surface well testing equipment

• Monitors separators, choke manifolds, and flare lines

• Common in onshore and offshore operations
  

2. Subsurface / DST Tester

• Involved in downhole testing tools and data acquisition

• Works closely with drilling and reservoir engineers
  

3. Flowback / Production Tester

• Handles post-fracturing and clean-up operations

• Ensures controlled flow and safe disposal of fluids

  
  

Well Tester Salary & Pay Scale

Pay varies by location, experience, and whether the job is onshore or offshore.

Experience Level	Daily Rate / Salary
Entry-level	$200 – $350 per day
Experienced Well Tester	$400 – $700 per day
Offshore / International	$800+ per day

Skills Required

To succeed as a Well Tester, you’ll need:

• Strong understanding of well control principles

• Knowledge of pressure systems and flow dynamics

• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills

• Ability to read gauges, charts, and digital data

• H₂S awareness and emergency response skills

• Strong safety mindset and communication skills
  

Training & Certifications Needed

Most employers require or strongly prefer:

• Well Control certification (IADC WellSharp or equivalent)

• H₂S Safety training

• Permit to Work (PTW) knowledge

• Offshore certifications (BOSIET / HUET) for offshore roles

• Hands-on equipment training

Formal training significantly improves hiring chances and pay.

Job demand & Global opportunities

Well testers are in demand across:

• United States (Texas, North Dakota, Gulf of Mexico)

• Middle East

• Offshore Africa

• Asia-Pacific regions

Shortage of skilled, well-control-trained personnel makes this a globally mobile career.

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