Shigoto Zukan
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How to become derrick operators, oil and gaseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$58,620
25th–75th pct. $49,880–$71,610
Top pay (est.)
$106,300
Top 10% $81,800
Pay in 5 years
$68,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$80,200est.
$68,900–$93,100
Outlook score
52/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
10%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.6%
900 openings / yr

How to become derrick operators, oil and gas

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Quality Control Analysis
3.6
Operation and Control
3.6
Repairing
3.6
Monitoring
3.5
Management of Personnel Resources
3.4
Coordination
3.4
Equipment Maintenance
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.6
Mathematics
3.2
Education and Training
3.1
English Language
2.9
Physics
2.9
Transportation
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.8
Chemistry
2.8

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Extent FlexibilityReaction TimeStatic StrengthDepth PerceptionControl PrecisionAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Less than high school
69%
High school diploma
23%
Post-secondary certificate
5%
Associate's degree
4%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
34%
3–6 months
13%
None / short demo
10%
1–2 years
7%
6–12 months
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
39%
None
27%
1–2 years
7%
3–6 months
4%
1–3 months
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as derrick operators, oil and gas

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.