Colorado Median
$79,830
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.38
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+18% vs US median
US median $67,890
State Rank
#3 of 26
110 employed here
How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Colorado?
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Colorado take home a median of $79,830 annually — roughly $38.38 an hour — which runs 18% above the national median of $67,890.
Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $61,410 while the top 10% make $92,070 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $69,120 and $86,780 a year.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in Colorado
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,410 | $29.52 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $69,120 | $33.23 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,830 | $38.38 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $86,780 | $41.72 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,070 | $44.26 |
|
How Colorado compares
Colorado ranks 3rd out of 26 states and territories for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in other states
Alaska $85,470New Mexico $82,780Nebraska $79,140Texas $77,840North Dakota $71,280Utah $70,400Alabama $67,400Mississippi $67,290New York $67,000California $65,520Ohio $63,600Arizona $62,920Florida $61,970Pennsylvania $61,780Virginia $61,410Wyoming $61,000Kansas $60,600Tennessee $58,780North Carolina $57,760West Virginia $57,020Oklahoma $55,160Michigan $54,020Louisiana $49,410Kentucky $38,520Arkansas $37,700
Working as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Colorado
Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Rotary Drill 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 Colorado pay ($79,830) 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 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Colorado?
The median Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in Colorado is $79,830 per year, or about $38.38 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $61,410 at the entry level to $92,070 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas about 18% more than the national median of $67,890. Colorado ranks 3rd out of 26 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $79,830 a year. About 110 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Rotary Drill 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.