Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Oklahoma (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Oklahoma Median
$55,160
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.52
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-19% vs US median
US median $67,890
State Rank
#22 of 26
1,700 employed here

How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Oklahoma?

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Oklahoma take home a median of $55,160 annually — roughly $26.52 an hour — which runs 19% below the national median of $67,890.

Within Oklahoma, entry-level pay starts around $48,180 while the top 10% make $79,910 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,200 and $75,730 a year.

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in Oklahoma

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$48,180$23.16
25th percentile (early career)$50,200$24.13
50th percentile (median)$55,160$26.52
75th percentile (experienced)$75,730$36.41
90th percentile (top earners)$79,910$38.42

How Oklahoma compares

Oklahoma ranks 22nd out of 26 states and territories for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Alaska$85,470
2New Mexico$82,780
3Colorado$79,830
4Nebraska$79,140
5Texas$77,840

Working as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma pay ($55,160) 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 Oklahoma?
The median Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in Oklahoma is $55,160 per year, or about $26.52 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,180 at the entry level to $79,910 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Oklahoma pay compare to the national average?
Oklahoma pays Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas about 19% less than the national median of $67,890. Oklahoma ranks 22nd out of 26 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Oklahoma a good state for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $55,160 a year. About 1,700 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma?
The highest-paying occupations in Oklahoma include Surgeon, All Other ($553,790), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($530,070), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($370,260), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary report

Related salaries

Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers

$49,910
median pay · 28,000 employed

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

$62,120
median pay · 53,000 employed

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

$60,190
median pay · 19,000 employed

Fence Erector

$47,980
median pay · 24,000 employed

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

$49,120
median pay · 44,000 employed

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

$46,960
median pay · 45,000 employed
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.