Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary
The median rotary drill operators, oil and gas salary in the United States is $67,890 per year ($32.64/hour). Salaries range from $47,010 at the entry level to $101,860+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 12,600 rotary drill operators, oil and gas jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 0.2% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$67,890
per year
Hourly Rate
$32.64
per hour
Employment
12,600
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$47,010
25th percentile
$53,810
Median
$67,890
75th percentile
$81,360
90th percentile
$101,860
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+0.2%
Slower than average
Annual Openings
1,200
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
No formal educational credential
+ Less than 5 years experience
Training Needed
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$38K$85K■ No data
Top Paying States
Alaska
$85K
+26%
New Mexico
$83K
+22%
Colorado
$80K
+18%
Nebraska
$79K
+17%
Texas
$78K
+15%
North Dakota
$71K
+5%
Utah
$70K
+4%
Alabama
$67K
-1%
Mississippi
$67K
-1%
New York
$67K
-1%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $85,470 | +25.9% |
| New Mexico | $82,780 | +21.9% |
| Colorado | $79,830 | +17.6% |
| Nebraska | $79,140 | +16.6% |
| Texas | $77,840 | +14.7% |
| North Dakota | $71,280 | +5.0% |
| Utah | $70,400 | +3.7% |
| Alabama | $67,400 | -0.7% |
| Mississippi | $67,290 | -0.9% |
| New York | $67,000 | -1.3% |
Showing 1–10 of 26
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $85,470 | +25.9% |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $81,360 | +19.8% |
| Tyler, TX | $79,640 | +17.3% |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $79,450 | +17.0% |
| Midland, TX | $78,260 | +15.3% |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $75,660 | +11.4% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $69,120 | +1.8% |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $63,600 | -6.3% |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $63,310 | -6.7% |
| Farmington, NM | $62,730 | -7.6% |
Showing 1–10 of 18
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 rotary drill operators, oil and gas earning $67,890/year would need 878 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 943 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how rotary drill operators, oil and gas salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary trend (2011–2024) →