PathScorer

    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in 2026

    SOC: 47-5011.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $62,740
    per year
    Salary Range
    $43K – $85K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    11,040
    employed
    Job Growth
    +0.5%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass Make?

    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass earn a median annual salary of $62,740 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $42,930 at the 10th percentile to $84,620 at the 90th percentile — a range of $41,690. The highest-paying state is Louisiana at $84,410.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$42,930
    25th percentile$49,440
    Median (50th)$62,740
    75th percentile$72,820
    90th percentile$84,620
    10th: $42,930Median: $62,74090th: $84,620
    Section 02

    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Louisianatop$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
    Pennsylvania$56,850
    Oklahoma$54,550
    Arkansas$50,250
    Ohio$49,700
    Mississippi$48,060
    Michigan$45,260
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass

    Louisiana
    Highest paying
    $84,410
    top metro salary
    Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
    $81,910
    $-2,500 vs highest
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area
    $81,750
    $-2,660 vs highest
    Alaska
    $81,180
    $-3,230 vs highest
    Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
    $77,940
    $-6,470 vs highest
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
    $70,390
    $-14,020 vs highest
    North Dakota
    $69,840
    $-14,570 vs highest
    West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area
    $69,840
    $-14,570 vs highest
    Section 04

    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$42,930 – $49,440
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$62,740
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$72,820
    Senior (15+ yrs)$84,620+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass in Louisiana earn $84,410 — $21,670 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($72,820) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gasthis career$62,740
    Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator$51,650
    Pile Driver Operator$70,510
    Construction Equipment Operator$58,710
    Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas$65,010

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Career Guide
    Learn how to become a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas →
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    Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas AI exposure analysis →

    SOC: 47-5011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.