Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California
Thinking about a career as a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California? Here’s what the data says. Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
What do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Make in California?
For a derrick operators, oil and gas working in California, wages run about $67,090 per year (or about $32.26/hour).Pay can range from $42,190 at the 10th percentile to $71,770 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,190 | $20.28 |
| 25th percentile | $60,810 | $29.24 |
| Median (50th) | $67,090 | $32.26 |
| 75th percentile | $70,290 | $33.79 |
| 90th percentile | $71,770 | $34.51 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California compared to the national average — is 0.19, indicating fewer derrick operators, oil and gas per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, derrick operators, oil and gas earn a median of $42,227 per year ($20.30/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 426,235 derrick operators, oil and gas nationwide. In California alone, around 250 people work in this role. That matches the typical state median of 250.
Top California Metros for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
These are the California metros with the most derrick operators, oil and gas in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 90 | $60,810 |
Top States for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Employment
The table below shows the states where the most derrick operators, oil and gas work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 4,840 |
| Louisiana | 1,510 |
| New Mexico | 1,070 |
| North Dakota | 730 |
| Oklahoma | 710 |
| Colorado | 360 |
| California | 250 |
| Kansas | 250 |
| Alaska | 170 |
| Wyoming | 160 |
| Mississippi | 130 |
| Ohio | 120 |
| Arkansas | 110 |
| West Virginia | 110 |
| Florida | 80 |
| Michigan | 70 |
Highest-Paying States for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
The highest-paying states for derrick operators, oil and gas.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $84,410 |
| Alaska | $81,180 |
| North Dakota | $69,840 |
| California | $67,090 |
| Florida | $64,310 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 |
| Texas | $61,610 |
| Colorado | $61,380 |
| New Mexico | $60,200 |
| West Virginia | $57,600 |
Skills
Top derrick operators, oil and gas skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for derrick operators, oil and gas, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Plumbing & Water Supply
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like derrick operators, oil and gas include:
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Pile Driver Operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Also Known As
Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Driller, Drilling Motorman, Floor Hand, Fracturing Derrick Operator, Gas Derrick Operator, Oil Derrick Operator, Rotary Derrick Operator, Well Service Derrick Worker.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-5011.00
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