Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary
The median derrick operators, oil and gas salary in the United States is $58,620 per year ($28.18/hour). Salaries range from $43,380 at the entry level to $81,800+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 10,590 derrick operators, oil and gas jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 0.5% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$58,620
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.18
per hour
Employment
10,590
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$43,380
25th percentile
$49,880
Median
$58,620
75th percentile
$71,610
90th percentile
$81,800
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+0.5%
Slower than average
Annual Openings
1,000
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
No formal educational credential
+ Less than 5 years experience
Training Needed
Short-term on-the-job training
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$45K$87K■ No data
Top Paying States
Louisiana
$87K
+48%
Alaska
$78K
+33%
Wyoming
$77K
+31%
North Dakota
$72K
+23%
Florida
$65K
+11%
Colorado
$65K
+10%
Pennsylvania
$60K
+2%
New Mexico
$60K
+2%
Oklahoma
$58K
-1%
Utah
$57K
-3%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $86,980 | +48.4% |
| Alaska | $78,050 | +33.1% |
| Wyoming | $76,750 | +30.9% |
| North Dakota | $71,850 | +22.6% |
| Florida | $64,950 | +10.8% |
| Colorado | $64,730 | +10.4% |
| Pennsylvania | $59,720 | +1.9% |
| New Mexico | $59,570 | +1.6% |
| Oklahoma | $58,270 | -0.6% |
| Utah | $56,980 | -2.8% |
Showing 1–10 of 19
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | $76,840 | +31.1% |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $69,700 | +18.9% |
| Tyler, TX | $63,190 | +7.8% |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $62,910 | +7.3% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $62,370 | +6.4% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $57,350 | -2.2% |
| Midland, TX | $56,120 | -4.3% |
| Greeley, CO | $55,040 | -6.1% |
| Odessa, TX | $53,130 | -9.4% |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $52,780 | -10.0% |
Showing 1–10 of 14
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A derrick operators, oil and gas earning $58,620/year would need 1017 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1092 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how derrick operators, oil and gas salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary trend (2011–2024) →