Rotary Drill Operator
Run the drilling rig and lead the floor crew drilling oil and gas wells.
- $67,890
- Under 5 years of rig experience
Energy & Utilities career
Derrick Operator
Also called: Derrickhand · Derrickman · Mud Hand · Rig Hand
What derrick operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a derrick operator do?
Derrick operators in oil and gas rig and operate pumps and equipment, handle pipe from the monkeyboard high on the derrick, and maintain the drilling fluid system. The median pay is $58,620 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Under 5 years of rig experience, and employment is projected to grow +1.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$58,620$28.18/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.6%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to trainUnder 5 years of rig experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs10,700Employment, 2025
What derrick operators do
Derrick operators work high on the drilling rig. During trips in and out of the hole, they guide stands of pipe from the monkeyboard. Between trips, they manage the mud system, mixing drilling fluids, checking weight and viscosity, maintaining mud pumps and keeping shale shakers running.
No formal education is required, but derrickhands usually move up from floorhand after a few years. The job pays well, with long rotations, and leads to driller roles.
Typical duties
- Handle pipe from the monkeyboard
- Mix and condition drilling mud
- Test mud weight and properties
- Maintain mud pumps and solids control
- Inspect derrick equipment
- Supervise floorhands on mud tasks
- Follow well control procedures
Work environment and schedule
Derrick operators work on drilling rigs, at heights on the derrick and around the mud system, in all weather.
Schedule: Rigs run 24/7, with 12-hour tours on rotations such as 14 days on and 14 off.
A day in the life
- Attend the tour safety meeting.
- Check mud weight and viscosity.
- Climb to the monkeyboard for a trip out of the hole.
- Rack back pipe stands.
See a full day in the life of a derrick operator →
Derrick Operator salary
Half of derrick operators earned more than $58,620 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $43,380 for the lowest 10% to $81,800 for the top 10%.
Full derrick operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a derrick operator
- Get safety training
- Start as a floorhand
- Learn the mud system
- Get comfortable at heights
- Advance
No formal education is required. Derrickhands learn on the job, usually after working as floorhands.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a derrick operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Pipe handling
- Drilling fluids
- Mud testing
- Pump maintenance
- Fall protection
People skills
- Teamwork
- Focus
- Stamina
- Communication
All derrick operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good pay without a degree
- Rotation time off
- Path to driller
- Teamwork
Cons
- Work at heights
- Long rotations away from home
- Industry cycles
- Hazardous environment
Certifications and licenses
- IADC RigPass: Rig safety orientation.
- IADC WellSharp: Well control training.
- H2S Clear: Hydrogen sulfide safety.
- Fall protection training: Work at heights.
Career path
- Floorhand: Work the rig floor.
- Derrickhand: Handle pipe and mud.
- Driller: Run the rig floor.
- Toolpusher: Manage the rig.
Learn the job before day one
Our Derrick Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check mud weight and work safely on the monkeyboard, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Compare: Derrick Operator vs. Rotary Drill Operator · Derrick Operator vs. Roustabout · Derrick Operator vs. Oilfield Service Operator · Derrick Operator vs. Crane Operator
Derrick Operator FAQ
How do you become a derrickhand?
Usually by working as a floorhand first.
Is the pay good?
Yes, especially with overtime.
What schedule do rigs use?
Rotations such as 14 days on and 14 off.
How much does a derrick operator make?
The median annual wage for derrick operators was $58,620 ($28.18 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,380 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,800.
How long does it take to become a derrick operator?
Most people need about Under 5 years of rig experience of training. No formal education is required. Derrickhands learn on the job, usually after working as floorhands.
Do you need a degree to be a derrick operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More derrick operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-5011 (Derrick operators, oil and gas).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Derrick operators, oil and gas (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.