Rotary Drill Operators Salary by State
The national median pay for rotary drill operators is $67,890 a year. By state, it ranges from $37,700 in Arkansas to $85,470 in Alaska.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $47,010
- 25th percentile
- $53,810
- Median
- $67,890
- 75th percentile
- $81,360
- Top 10%
- $101,860
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 12,600 jobs.
Median pay in 26 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $85,470 | +26% | $64,540 | $115,270 | 130 |
| 2 | New Mexico | $82,780 | +22% | $48,840 | $101,860 | 580 |
| 3 | Colorado | $79,830 | +18% | $61,410 | $92,070 | 110 |
| 4 | Nebraska | $79,140 | +17% | $50,130 | $100,060 | 40 |
| 5 | Texas | $77,840 | +15% | $47,840 | $121,470 | 5,980 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $71,280 | +5% | $52,280 | $104,970 | 230 |
| 7 | Utah | $70,400 | +4% | $49,440 | $103,460 | Not published |
| 8 | Alabama | $67,400 | −1% | $44,700 | $120,610 | 40 |
| 9 | Mississippi | $67,290 | −1% | $36,170 | $98,160 | 130 |
| 10 | New York | $67,000 | −1% | $54,690 | $99,340 | 50 |
| 11 | California | $65,520 | −3% | $49,880 | $120,130 | 460 |
| 12 | Ohio | $63,600 | −6% | $46,380 | $82,860 | 290 |
| 13 | Arizona | $62,920 | −7% | $33,430 | $100,130 | 30 |
| 14 | Florida | $61,970 | −9% | $58,500 | $87,170 | 180 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $61,780 | −9% | $60,770 | $86,780 | 390 |
| 16 | Virginia | $61,410 | −10% | $44,320 | $72,070 | 110 |
| 17 | Wyoming | $61,000 | −10% | $38,390 | $99,930 | 200 |
| 18 | Kansas | $60,600 | −11% | $31,000 | $77,810 | 130 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $58,780 | −13% | $44,470 | $78,480 | 40 |
| 20 | North Carolina | $57,760 | −15% | $33,420 | $97,470 | 50 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $57,020 | −16% | $46,730 | $80,250 | 240 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $55,160 | −19% | $48,180 | $79,910 | 1,700 |
| 23 | Michigan | $54,020 | −20% | $40,910 | $103,990 | 70 |
| 24 | Louisiana | $49,410 | −27% | $31,990 | $79,380 | 910 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $38,520 | −43% | $36,270 | $46,030 | 30 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $37,700 | −44% | $37,430 | $74,560 | 70 |
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.
Rotary Drill Operators salary questions
Which state pays rotary drill operators the most?
Alaska, with a median of $85,470 a year (+26% vs. the national median of $67,890). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays rotary drill operators the least?
Arkansas, with a median of $37,700 a year (−44% vs. national).
Where do most rotary drill operators work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 5,980, with a median of $77,840.
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.