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

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$67,890
25th–75th pct. $53,810–$81,360
Top pay (est.)
$132,400
Top 10% $101,860
Pay in 5 years
$79,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$92,600est.
$79,600–$107,500
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
9%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.8%
1,100 openings / yr

How to become rotary drill operators, oil and gas

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-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 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.6
Operations Monitoring
3.5
Instructing
3.4
Time Management
3.4
Coordination
3.4
Management of Personnel Resources
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Repairing
3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.9
Education and Training
3.7
Mathematics
3.7
Personnel and Human Resources
3.3
Chemistry
3.2
Administration and Management
2.9
Psychology
2.7
Public Safety and Security
2.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Selective AttentionControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingOral ExpressionAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Less than high school
31%
High school diploma
29%
Some college
22%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Bachelor's degree
9%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
30%
None / short demo
13%
2–4 years
11%
6–12 months
10%
Over 10 years
5%
1–3 months
5%
1–2 years
3%
3–6 months
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
31%
3–6 months
24%
None
14%
Over 10 years
11%
8–10 years
11%
1–3 months
4%
4–6 years
3%
6–12 months
1%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as rotary drill 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.