A derrick operator controls and maintains the equipment that extracts oil and gas from the ground. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the job involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Derrick operators run the machinery and systems that drill for and extract oil and gas. You control machines and processes, inspect equipment and structures for wear or damage, and perform repairs and maintenance on mechanical systems. The work involves handling and moving heavy objects, communicating with supervisors and crew members, and staying alert to safety hazards. You work on job sites, often outdoors, and need to understand mechanical systems, basic math, and safety protocols.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas earn a median of $58,620 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 1,000 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You do not need a four-year degree to become a derrick operator. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent and some on-the-job training. You will start in an entry-level role and learn equipment operation, maintenance, and safety procedures from experienced workers. Many operators gain skills through apprenticeships or formal training programs in oil and gas operations. Employers value critical thinking, the ability to monitor equipment closely, and a strong commitment to workplace safety.
Most derrick operators start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some pursue formal apprenticeships or training programs. The path depends on your location and the companies hiring in your area, so Pathly can map the derrick operator, oil and gas path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a derrick operator, oil and gas, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on work with machines and systems. You like solving practical problems, staying focused on details, and working as part of a crew toward a shared goal.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).