How to become a derrick operator, oil and gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What derrick operators, oil and gas do
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is derrick operator, oil and gas a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 15% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Louisiana $86,980
- Alaska $78,050
- Wyoming $76,750
- North Dakota $71,850
- Florida $64,950
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.