Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in West Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
West Virginia Median
$50,640
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.35
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $58,620
State Rank
#14 of 19
60 employed here

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

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas working in West Virginia earn a median salary of $50,640 per year, or about $24.35 per hour. That is 14% below the national median of $58,620 for this occupation.

Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $47,660 while the top 10% make $72,800 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $49,520 and $71,390 a year.

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in West Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$47,660$22.91
25th percentile (early career)$49,520$23.81
50th percentile (median)$50,640$24.35
75th percentile (experienced)$71,390$34.32
90th percentile (top earners)$72,800$35.00

How West Virginia compares

West Virginia ranks 14th 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 West Virginia

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 West Virginia pay ($50,640) 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 West Virginia?
The median Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in West Virginia is $50,640 per year, or about $24.35 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,660 at the entry level to $72,800 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas about 14% less than the national median of $58,620. West Virginia ranks 14th out of 19 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,640 a year. About 60 Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), 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.