Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

SOC code 47-5011 · O*NET-SOC 47-5011.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,620

a year

Hourly

$28.18

per hour

10th$43,380Median$58,62090th$81,800

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,210

$28.95 per hour

Middle 50%

$49,880 – $71,610

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,380 – $81,800

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

10,590

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $43,380; $20.86/hr
25th percentile: $49,880; $23.98/hr
Median percentile: $58,620; $28.18/hr
75th percentile: $71,610; $34.43/hr
90th percentile: $81,800; $39.33/hr

What do derrick operators, oil and gas do?

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 69% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma69%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)23%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%

Common questions

How much does a derrick operators, oil and gas earn?

The national median is $58,620 a year. The full range runs from $43,380 at the 10th percentile to $81,800 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a derrick operators, oil and gas without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.5/5
Speaking3.4/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Active Listening3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.6/5
Mathematics3.3/5
English Language3.2/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Transportation2.8/5
Administration and Management2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Repairing, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Quality Control Analysis.