Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$67,890/yr
Typical range
$53,810 – $81,360
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas does
You operate rotary drilling equipment to bore wells for oil and gas extraction, monitoring pressure and depth as you work. This skilled trade role involves operating complex machinery and following strict safety protocols on drilling sites.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Construction Laborers — $47,120/yr
- Solar Energy Installation Managers — $79,920/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $79,920/yr
- Electricians — $63,190/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
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