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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$58,780
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.26
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-13% vs US median
US median $67,890
State Rank
#19 of 26
40 employed here

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

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas working in Tennessee earn a median salary of $58,780 per year, or about $28.26 per hour. That is 13% below the national median of $67,890 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $44,470 while the top 10% make $78,480 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,700 and $69,310 a year.

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$44,470$21.38
25th percentile (early career)$52,700$25.34
50th percentile (median)$58,780$28.26
75th percentile (experienced)$69,310$33.32
90th percentile (top earners)$78,480$37.73

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 19th 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($58,780) 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 Tennessee?
The median Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary in Tennessee is $58,780 per year, or about $28.26 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $44,470 at the entry level to $78,480 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas about 13% less than the national median of $67,890. Tennessee ranks 19th out of 26 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $58,780 a year. About 40 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas are employed in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.