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Construction and Trades

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
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Median pay

$62,740
Median annual pay for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

11,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Transportation

Abilities

  1. 1Multilimb Coordination
  2. 2Control Precision
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Extent Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Performing General Physical Activities
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  6. 6Health and Safety of Other Workers

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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