Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas to increase by 0.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 12,700 to 12,900 jobs. Its estimate of 1,100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($67,890), 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)
12,700
Projected employment (2034)
12,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,100
Pay & Preparation
$67,890
No formal educational credential
Less than 5 years
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.62/5) • Operation and Control (3.62/5) • Monitoring (3.5/5) • Active Listening (3.38/5) • Instructing (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.
Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.
Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.
Find my best opportunities