Derrick Operators
O*NET title: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Also called: Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Derrickhand, Derrickman
Median pay
$58,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$43,380 – $81,800
People employed
10,590
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 7.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Derrick Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (19 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What derrick operators do
- 01Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- 02Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- 03Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- 04Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- 05Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- 06Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from derrick operators
- Wellhead Pumpers86% · +19%
- Pile Driver Operators85% · +25%
- Hoist and Winch Operators84% · −4%
- Dredge Operators83% · −15%
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators83% · +2%
Change into derrick operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Dredge Operators86% · $49,640
- Agricultural Equipment Operators77% · $41,730
- Hoist and Winch Operators77% · $56,450
- Logging Equipment Operators77% · $49,740
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators77% · $53,340
Majors that lead here
- Well Drilling/Driller
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.