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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Texas
Considering working as a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Texas? Here’s what the data says. Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
What do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Make in Texas?
For derrick operators, oil and gas working in Texas, wages run about $61,610 per year (or roughly $29.62/hour).Pay can range from $45,450 at the 10th percentile to $77,060 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,450 | $21.85 |
| 25th percentile | $49,440 | $23.77 |
| Median (50th) | $61,610 | $29.62 |
| 75th percentile | $70,180 | $33.74 |
| 90th percentile | $77,060 | $37.05 |
The job concentration index in Texas nationwide is 4.88, meaning that derrick operators, oil and gas are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, derrick operators, oil and gas earn a median of $42,227 per year ($20.30/hour), exceeding the Texas median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 426,235 derrick operators, oil and gas across the United States. In Texas alone, around 4,840 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 250 derrick operators, oil and gas.
Top Texas Metros for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
The largest metro-area employers of derrick operators, oil and gas in Texas.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 1,560 | $65,910 |
| Midland, TX | 510 | $54,430 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 390 | $70,390 |
| Odessa, TX | 280 | $45,730 |
| Tyler, TX | 110 | $61,610 |
| San Angelo, TX | 70 | $62,210 |
| Abilene, TX | 40 | $45,900 |
Top States for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Employment
View the states that employ the most derrick operators, oil and gas work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 4,840 |
| Louisiana | 1,510 |
| New Mexico | 1,070 |
| North Dakota | 730 |
| Oklahoma | 710 |
| Colorado | 360 |
| California | 250 |
| Kansas | 250 |
| Alaska | 170 |
| Wyoming | 160 |
| Mississippi | 130 |
| Ohio | 120 |
| Arkansas | 110 |
| West Virginia | 110 |
| Florida | 80 |
| Michigan | 70 |
Highest-Paying States for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
The highest-paying states for derrick operators, oil and gas.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $84,410 |
| Alaska | $81,180 |
| North Dakota | $69,840 |
| California | $67,090 |
| Florida | $64,310 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 |
| Texas | $61,610 |
| Colorado | $61,380 |
| New Mexico | $60,200 |
| West Virginia | $57,600 |
Skills
Key derrick operators, oil and gas skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for derrick operators, oil and gas, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, derrick operators, oil and gas typically:
- 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.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Careers similar to derrick operators, oil and gas include:
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Pile Driver Operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Also Known As
Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Driller, Drilling Motorman, Floor Hand, Fracturing Derrick Operator, Gas Derrick Operator, Oil Derrick Operator, Rotary Derrick Operator, Well Service Derrick Worker.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-5011.00
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