Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Median pay: $58,620/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +0.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.
About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
• Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
• Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
• Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
• Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
• Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
• Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
• Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
What's the median pay for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
The median pay for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is $58,620 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Employment for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is projected to change +0.5% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.
What education is typically required for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?
About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.