How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make?
The median pay for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in the United States is $58,620 per year — about $28.18 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $43,380, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $81,800.
That is $2,770 less than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary range by percentile
Half of all Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas earn between $49,880 and $71,610 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,380 | $20.86 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $49,880 | $23.98 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,620 | $28.18 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $71,610 | $34.43 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,800 | $39.33 |
Highest-paying states for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Louisiana leads the country for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay at $86,980 a year, followed by Alaska ($78,050) and Wyoming ($76,750). At the other end, Michigan posts the lowest median at $45,180 — a gap of $41,800 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
| # | State | Median salary | Hourly | vs national |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | $86,980 | $41.82 | +48% |
| 2 | Alaska | $78,050 | $37.52 | +33% |
| 3 | Wyoming | $76,750 | $36.90 | +31% |
| 4 | North Dakota | $71,850 | $34.54 | +23% |
| 5 | Florida | $64,950 | $31.23 | +11% |
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 19 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 11,000 people work as Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in the United States. On qualifications: a high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in the United States?
How does Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay compare to other jobs?
Which state pays Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas the most?
What education do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas need?
How many Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas work in the United States?
Related salaries
Other construction & trades roles with similar pay.