How Much Do Derrick Operators Make?
Derrick Operators operate the derrick equipment that positions drilling rigs over oil and gas wells. Official pay data from the BLS May 2025 wage survey.
Median pay
$58,620
per year
Average (mean)
$60,210
per year
Range · 10th–90th
$43,380 – $81,800
bottom to top earners
The median derrick operator salary is $58,620 per year — 15% above the $50,980 median for all U.S. occupations. About 10,590 people work in this trade nationwide.
Pay by percentile
| Percentile | Annual wage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $43,380 | Entry level / lowest-paid areas |
| 25th | $49,880 | Early career |
| 50th — median | $58,620 | The typical worker |
| 75th | $71,610 | Experienced |
| 90th | $81,800 | Top earners / highest-paid areas |
Lifetime earnings potential
At today's median wage, here is what a career as a derrick operator adds up to (in constant 2025 dollars, before raises or promotions — a conservative floor, not a projection):
| Career length | At the median ($58,620/yr) | In the top 10% ($81,800/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | $586,200 | $818,000 |
| 20 years | $1,172,400 | $1,636,000 |
| 30 years | $1,758,600 | $2,454,000 |
Reaching the top 10% instead of the median is worth $695,400 over a 30-year career — usually the gap between entry-level work and specialization, licenses, or high-paying states. Compare this trade against any other with the trade comparison tool.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do derrick operators make?
- The median annual wage for derrick operators, oil and gas is $58,620 (BLS OES, May 2025). The middle 50% earn between $49,880 and $71,610.
- What do the top derrick operators earn?
- The top 10% of derrick operators earn $81,800 or more per year, while the bottom 10% earn $43,380 or less.
- Is $58,620 good pay?
- It is 15% above the median for all U.S. occupations ($50,980, BLS May 2025).