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Oil and Gas Derrick Operator

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What You Need to Know About Oil and Gas Derrick Operator

Oil & Gas Derrick Operator Example Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through drill hole.

Oil & Gas Derrick Operator Responsibilities

  • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  • String cables through pulleys and blocks.
  • Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.
  • Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
  • Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.

Skills Needed to be an Oil & Gas Derrick Operator

These are the skills Oil and Gas Derrick Operators say are the most useful in their careers:

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Derrick Hand
  • Oil Derrick Operator
  • Rotary Derrick Operator
  • Driller
  • Derrick Worker

Job Demand for Oil and Gas Derrick Operators

There were about 11,100 jobs for Oil and Gas Derrick Operator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 25.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,800 new jobs for Oil and Gas Derrick Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,800 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Oil & Gas Derrick Operator are Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, or Florida. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Oil & Gas Derrick Operator Average Salary

The salary for Oil and Gas Derrick Operators ranges between about $33,290 and $64,960 a year.

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Oil and Gas Derrick Operators who work in North Dakota, Wyoming, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

How much do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alaska $55,960
Arkansas $40,680
California $52,300
Colorado $51,390
Kansas $43,330
Louisiana $47,550
Michigan $43,130
Mississippi $46,590
Montana $49,950
New Mexico $48,310
North Dakota $59,550
Oklahoma $48,470
Pennsylvania $50,540
Texas $44,920
Utah $45,860
Wyoming $55,040

What Tools & Technology do Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Oil and Gas Derrick Operators:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Data entry software

Becoming an Oil & Gas Derrick Operator

Are there Oil and Gas Derrick Operators education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Oil and Gas Derrick Operators Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Oil and Gas Derrick Operators work:

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References:

Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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