Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas to increase by 1.6% between 2024 and 2034, from 10,700 to 10,900 jobs. Its estimate of 900 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($58,620), education (No formal educational credential), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
10,700
Projected employment (2034)
10,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
900
Pay & Preparation
$58,620
No formal educational credential
Less than 5 years
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4/5) • Operation and Control (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.5/5) • Monitoring (3.38/5) • Speaking (3.38/5) • Repairing (3.38/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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