Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
SOC Code: 47-5012Also known as:
Blast Driller, Cable Driller, Cable Tool Driller, Cable Tool Operator, Clean Out Driller
Median Annual Salary
$65,010
+0.2% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
13K
Current Jobs
What Rotary drill operators, oil and gas Do
Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.
💰 Salary
$65,010
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.2%
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
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
13,300
Projected Employment (2034)
13,400
Related Careers
Service unit operators, oil and gas
$57,980 •
+0.4% 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
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.
- Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
- Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.
- Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
- Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
- Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
- Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.
- Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.
- Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools.
- Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.
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 rotary drill operators, oil and gas make?
The median annual salary for rotary drill operators, oil and gas is $65,010.
What education do rotary drill operators, oil and gas need?
Most rotary drill operators, oil and gas positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming rotary drill operators, oil and gas a good career choice?
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas is projected to see +0.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for rotary drill 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 rotary drill operators, oil and gas?
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas may also be known as: Blast Driller, Cable Driller, Cable Tool Driller, Cable Tool Operator, Clean Out Driller, Core Drill Operator, Core Driller, Daylight Driller, Derrickhand, Directional Drill Operator, Directional Driller, Drill Hand, Drill Operator, Driller, Drilling Field Operator, Drilling Field Professional, Drilling Machine Operator, Drilling Rig Operator, Fracturing Rotary Drill Operator, Geotechnical Driller.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.