North Dakota Median
$71,280
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.27
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+5% vs US median
US median $67,890
State Rank
#6 of 26
230 employed here
How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in North Dakota?
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas working in North Dakota earn a median salary of $71,280 per year, or about $34.27 per hour. That is 5% above the national median of $67,890 for this occupation.
Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $52,280 while the top 10% make $104,970 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,310 and $101,490 a year.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in North Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,280 | $25.13 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $60,310 | $29.00 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $71,280 | $34.27 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $101,490 | $48.79 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,970 | $50.47 |
|
How North Dakota compares
North Dakota ranks 6th 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 $82,780Colorado $79,830Nebraska $79,140Texas $77,840Utah $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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota pay ($71,280) 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 North Dakota?
The median Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in North Dakota is $71,280 per year, or about $34.27 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $52,280 at the entry level to $104,970 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas about 5% more than the national median of $67,890. North Dakota ranks 6th out of 26 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes on pay — North Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $71,280 a year. About 230 Rotary Drill 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 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.