Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.
Median pay: $67,890/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: +0.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.
About 1,200 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.
• Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.
• Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
• Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.
• Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
• Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
• Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
• Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.
• Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.
What's the median pay for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
The median pay for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas is $67,890 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Employment for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas is projected to change +0.2% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.
What education is typically required for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.