New Mexico Median
$82,780
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.80
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+22% vs US median
US median $67,890
State Rank
#2 of 26
580 employed here
How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in New Mexico?
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in New Mexico take home a median of $82,780 annually — roughly $39.80 an hour — which runs 22% above the national median of $67,890.
Within New Mexico, entry-level pay starts around $48,840 while the top 10% make $101,860 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,730 and $91,390 a year.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in New Mexico
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,840 | $23.48 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $62,730 | $30.16 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $82,780 | $39.80 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $91,390 | $43.94 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,860 | $48.97 |
|
How New Mexico compares
New Mexico ranks 2nd 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 $85,470Colorado $79,830Nebraska $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 New Mexico
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 New Mexico pay ($82,780) 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 New Mexico?
The median Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in New Mexico is $82,780 per year, or about $39.80 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,840 at the entry level to $101,860 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Mexico pay compare to the national average?
New Mexico pays Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas about 22% more than the national median of $67,890. New Mexico ranks 2nd out of 26 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Mexico a good state for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes on pay — New Mexico pays above the national median for this occupation, at $82,780 a year. About 580 Rotary Drill 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 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.