Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in New Mexico (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Mexico Median
$59,570
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.64
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+2% vs US median
US median $58,620
State Rank
#8 of 19
880 employed here

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

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in New Mexico take home a median of $59,570 annually — roughly $28.64 an hour — which runs 2% above the national median of $58,620.

Within New Mexico, entry-level pay starts around $31,670 while the top 10% make $74,800 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,680 and $71,810 a year.

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in New Mexico

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$31,670$15.23
25th percentile (early career)$48,680$23.40
50th percentile (median)$59,570$28.64
75th percentile (experienced)$71,810$34.52
90th percentile (top earners)$74,800$35.96

How New Mexico compares

New Mexico ranks 8th 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 New Mexico

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 New Mexico pay ($59,570) 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 New Mexico?
The median Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in New Mexico is $59,570 per year, or about $28.64 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $31,670 at the entry level to $74,800 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Mexico pay compare to the national average?
New Mexico pays Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas about 2% more than the national median of $58,620. New Mexico ranks 8th out of 19 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Mexico a good state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes on pay — New Mexico pays above the national median for this occupation, at $59,570 a year. About 880 Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in New Mexico. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Mexico?
The highest-paying occupations in New Mexico include Emergency Medicine Physician ($405,130), Anesthesiologist ($393,970), Surgeon, All Other ($363,940), 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.