Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Alabama (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Alabama, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alabama Median
$49,350
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.73
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-16% vs US median
US median $58,620
State Rank
#16 of 19
state estimate

How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in Alabama?

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Alabama take home a median of $49,350 annually — roughly $23.73 an hour — which runs 16% below the national median of $58,620.

Within Alabama, entry-level pay starts around $36,260 while the top 10% make $61,950 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,130 and $60,160 a year.

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in Alabama

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,260$17.43
25th percentile (early career)$37,130$17.85
50th percentile (median)$49,350$23.73
75th percentile (experienced)$60,160$28.92
90th percentile (top earners)$61,950$29.78

How Alabama compares

Alabama ranks 16th out of 19 states and territories for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Louisiana$86,980
2Alaska$78,050
3Wyoming$76,750
4North Dakota$71,850
5Florida$64,950

Working as Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Alabama

Nationally, about 11,000 people work as Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Alabama pay ($49,350) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in Alabama?
The median Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in Alabama is $49,350 per year, or about $23.73 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,260 at the entry level to $61,950 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alabama pay compare to the national average?
Alabama pays Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas about 16% less than the national median of $58,620. Alabama ranks 16th out of 19 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alabama a good state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $49,350 a year. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying occupations in Alabama include Cardiologist ($519,480), Dermatologist ($394,550), Anesthesiologist ($392,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.