Derrick, Rotary Drill & Service Unit Operators: $59,730 Median Salary in Oil & Gas
Derrick, rotary drill, and service unit operators in the oil and gas industry earned a median annual salary of $59,730 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average worker makes $63,950 per year, or about $29 an hour. Entry-level operators earn around $40,000, while experienced workers in the top 10% bring home over $96,370.
How much Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas earn
The median annual wage for derrick, rotary drill, and service unit operators in oil and gas is $59,730. The average (mean) wage is $63,950, roughly $29 per hour. Most operators earn between $40,000 (10th percentile) and $96,370 (90th percentile). Overtime and shift differentials can push pay higher, especially in remote or offshore locations.
Pay depends on experience, location, and the specific role—rotary drill operators often earn more than service unit operators. The BLS data reflects all workers in the occupation, from roustabouts to senior drill operators.
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-level breakdowns for this occupation, but industry sources show that operators in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska typically earn above the national median, while those in lower-cost states such as Louisiana or New Mexico may see slightly lower wages. High demand in the Permian Basin and offshore Gulf of Mexico also pushes pay higher.
How to become Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
There is no formal education requirement, but most operators start with a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the standard path—workers begin as roustabouts or floorhands and learn the trade under experienced operators.
Certifications can improve job prospects. The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) offers the WellSharp rig-pass program. A commercial driver's license (CDL) may be required to operate heavy equipment. Offshore operators also need safety certificates like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).
- High school diploma or GED
- Entry-level job as roustabout or floorhand
- On-the-job training (1-2 years typical)
- Optional: IADC WellSharp certification, CDL, BOSIET
- Mechanical aptitude and physical stamina required
Job outlook
The BLS does not publish a growth projection for 2024–2034 for this specific occupation. Employment of derrick, rotary drill, and service unit operators is tied to oil and gas prices and drilling activity. In recent years, employment has fluctuated with market cycles. As of 2024, there are 66,320 workers in the field, and demand is expected to remain steady in major producing regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a derrick operator in oil and gas?
The median annual salary is $59,730, with a mean of $63,950 (about $29 per hour).
What is the highest-paying state for this job?
The BLS does not provide state-level data for this occupation, but states with heavy drilling activity—like Texas, Alaska, and North Dakota—tend to pay above the median.
Do I need a degree to become a rotary drill operator?
No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. Most training happens on the job, starting as a roustabout or floorhand.
How many derrick and drill operators are there in the U.S.?
As of 2024, there are 66,320 workers in this occupation.
Is the job outlook good for this career?
The BLS has not published a growth projection for 2024–2034. Employment depends on energy markets and drilling activity.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas data.