Derrick Operators Salary by State
The national median pay for derrick operators is $58,620 a year. By state, it ranges from $45,180 in Michigan to $86,980 in Louisiana.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $43,380
- 25th percentile
- $49,880
- Median
- $58,620
- 75th percentile
- $71,610
- Top 10%
- $81,800
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 10,590 jobs.
Median pay in 19 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | $86,980 | +48% | $45,770 | $98,840 | 890 |
| 2 | Alaska | $78,050 | +33% | $62,400 | $93,490 | 170 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $76,750 | +31% | $63,400 | $83,990 | 140 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $71,850 | +23% | $63,380 | $80,040 | 490 |
| 5 | Florida | $64,950 | +11% | $49,420 | $81,390 | 60 |
| 6 | Colorado | $64,730 | +10% | $47,450 | $79,330 | 290 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $59,720 | +2% | $56,330 | $59,720 | 140 |
| 8 | New Mexico | $59,570 | +2% | $31,670 | $74,800 | 880 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $58,270 | −1% | $48,960 | $68,640 | 580 |
| 10 | Utah | $56,980 | −3% | $54,640 | $78,940 | 80 |
| 11 | Texas | $56,100 | −4% | $43,840 | $74,690 | 5,810 |
| 12 | California | $55,480 | −5% | $52,760 | $71,470 | Not published |
| 13 | Ohio | $50,650 | −14% | $39,610 | $63,180 | 120 |
| 14 | West Virginia | $50,640 | −14% | $47,660 | $72,800 | 60 |
| 15 | Arkansas | $50,070 | −15% | $48,820 | $61,450 | 50 |
| 16 | Alabama | $49,350 | −16% | $36,260 | $61,950 | Not published |
| 17 | Mississippi | $47,340 | −19% | $37,340 | $77,760 | 200 |
| 18 | Illinois | $45,900 | −22% | $31,690 | $55,180 | Not published |
| 19 | Michigan | $45,180 | −23% | $44,620 | $59,560 | 40 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Derrick Operators salary questions
Which state pays derrick operators the most?
Louisiana, with a median of $86,980 a year (+48% vs. the national median of $58,620). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays derrick operators the least?
Michigan, with a median of $45,180 a year (−23% vs. national).
Where do most derrick operators work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 5,810, with a median of $56,100.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.