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What Does it Take to Be an Oil and Gas Derrick Operator?

Oil & Gas Derrick Operator Example Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through drill hole.

What Do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Do On a Daily Basis?

Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
String cables through pulleys and blocks.
Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.

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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Oil & Gas Derrick Operator?

Below is a list of the skills most Oil and Gas Derrick Operators say are important on the job.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Other Oil & Gas Derrick Operator Job Titles

Rotary Derrick Operator
Driller
Derrick Worker
Derrick Operator
Derrick Hand

Is There Job Demand for Oil and Gas Derrick Operators?

There were about 11,100 jobs for Oil and Gas Derrick Operator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 25.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,800 new jobs for Oil and Gas Derrick Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,800 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Oil & Gas Derrick Operator are Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, or Florida. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Make A Lot Of Money?

Oil and Gas Derrick Operators make between $33,290 and $64,960 a year.

Oil and Gas Derrick Operators who work in North Dakota, Wyoming, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

How much do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alaska	$55,960
Arkansas	$40,680
California	$52,300
Colorado	$51,390
Kansas	$43,330
Louisiana	$47,550
Michigan	$43,130
Mississippi	$46,590
Montana	$49,950
New Mexico	$48,310
North Dakota	$59,550
Oklahoma	$48,470
Pennsylvania	$50,540
Texas	$44,920
Utah	$45,860
Wyoming	$55,040

What Tools & Technology do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Oil and Gas Derrick Operators may use on a daily basis:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook
Data entry software

How to Become an Oil & Gas Derrick Operator

What education or degrees do I need to become an Oil and Gas Derrick Operator?

What work experience do I need to become an Oil & Gas Derrick Operator?

Where Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:

Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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