Derrick operators, oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5011Also known as:
Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Driller
Median Annual Salary
$62,740
+0.5% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
11K
Current Jobs
What Derrick operators, oil and gas Do
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
💰 Salary
$62,740
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.5%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,300
Projected Employment (2034)
11,300
Related Careers
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Earth drillers, except oil and gas
$59,600 •
+2.9% growth
Roustabouts, oil and gas
$47,510 •
+2.5% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Wellhead pumpers
$70,010 •
-4.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do derrick operators, oil and gas make?
The median annual salary for derrick operators, oil and gas is $62,740.
What education do derrick operators, oil and gas need?
Most derrick operators, oil and gas positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming derrick operators, oil and gas a good career choice?
Derrick operators, oil and gas is projected to see +0.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for derrick operators, oil and gas?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to derrick operators, oil and gas?
Derrick operators, oil and gas may also be 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.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.