Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Oil and gas workers assemble, operate, and maintain equipment used for oil and gas exploration, extraction, and related activities.
Is derrick operators, oil and gas a good career?
It scores 11/100 and ranks #668 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.5%)
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What derrick operators, oil and gas earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. derrick operators, oil and gas earn between $49,880 and $71,610 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live derrick operators, oil and gas jobs
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- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
There are no formal educational credentials required to become an oil and gas worker, although some employers require or prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Training
Oil and gas workers typically learn on the job. They may start out by shadowing experienced workers and performing tasks under their guidance. Entry-level workers usually begin with less complex tasks, such as cleaning equipment and drilling structures, organizing tools, and loading and unloading equipment.
Workers also receive training and instruction on safety protocols.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some oil and gas workers, such as derrick operators and drillers, need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to move equipment to various jobsites. State laws governing CDLs vary.
Employers may require oil and gas workers to complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, before or after being hired.
Certification may be helpful or required for some jobs.
Important qualities
Ability to work at heights. Oil and gas workers must be comfortable working at heights on lifts, oilfield structures, and other elevated surfaces.
Communication skills. Oil and gas workers must be able to convey information to other crew members to ensure that tasks are done properly.
Detail oriented. Oil and gas workers need to follow specific instructions for drilling operations and the safe use of equipment.
Interpersonal skills. Because oil and gas workers rely on each other for safety, they must be able to collaborate as part of a crew.
Mechanical skills. Oil and gas workers must understand and be able to maintain and repair equipment used for oil and gas extraction.
Physical stamina and strength. Oil and gas workers must be able to do strenuous tasks, including lifting heavy tools and equipment, throughout the day.
Problem-solving skills. Oil and gas workers must be able to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and then determine the best way to repair it.
Related occupations
How much do derrick operators, oil and gas make?
The national median wage is $58,620 a year, with the middle half earning between $49,880 and $71,610 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is derrick operators, oil and gas a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 11 of 100 and ranks #668 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a derrick operators, oil and ga?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do derrick operators, oil and gas earn the most?
Among states, Louisiana pays the highest median ($86,980). Local pay for every state and metro is below.