How the national numbers differ
1Roofers has the edge on annual openings
Roofers is at 12,000 annual openings, compared with 900 annual openings for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas.
2Roofers has the edge on projected growth
Roofers is at 5.3% projected growth, compared with 1.6% projected growth for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas.
3Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas has the edge on median pay
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is at $58,620, compared with $55,440 for Roofers.
40/ 100Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
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Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas vs Roofers
| Dimension | Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | Roofers |
| Median pay (2025) | $58,620 | $55,440 |
| Pay percentile | 45.1 percentile | 40.3 percentile |
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 1.6% | 5.3% |
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 900 | 12,000 |
| 2025 employment | 10,700 | 166,900 |
| How you qualify | No formal educational credential; Prior related experience: less than 5 years; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | No formal educational credential; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | Prior related experience: less than 5 years. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.