Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in North Dakota (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Dakota Median
$71,850
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.54
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+23% vs US median
US median $58,620
State Rank
#4 of 19
490 employed here

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

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in North Dakota take home a median of $71,850 annually — roughly $34.54 an hour — which runs 23% above the national median of $58,620.

Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $63,380 while the top 10% make $80,040 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $68,360 and $76,760 a year.

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in North Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,380$30.47
25th percentile (early career)$68,360$32.87
50th percentile (median)$71,850$34.54
75th percentile (experienced)$76,760$36.90
90th percentile (top earners)$80,040$38.48

How North Dakota compares

North Dakota ranks 4th 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 North Dakota

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 North Dakota pay ($71,850) 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 North Dakota?
The median Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in North Dakota is $71,850 per year, or about $34.54 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,380 at the entry level to $80,040 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas about 23% more than the national median of $58,620. North Dakota ranks 4th out of 19 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes on pay — North Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $71,850 a year. About 490 Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in North Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in North Dakota include Surgeon, All Other ($604,890), Radiologist ($553,140), Physician, All Other ($454,550), 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.