Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Derrick Operator
What derrick operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Attend the tour safety meeting. From there, the day usually includes handle pipe from the monkeyboard, mix and condition drilling mud, and test mud weight and properties. Rigs run 24/7, with 12-hour tours on rotations such as 14 days on and 14 off.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a derrick operator working full time.
- 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.
- Service mud pumps.
- Mix chemicals to adjust mud properties.
- Clean shakers and log mud reports.
Where derrick operators work
Derrick operators work on drilling rigs, at heights on the derrick and around the mud system, in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Rigs run 24/7, with 12-hour tours on rotations such as 14 days on and 14 off.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Monkeyboard and fall protection
- Mud balance
- Marsh funnel
- Mud pumps
- Shale shakers
- Hand tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Good pay without a degree
- Rotation time off
- Path to driller
- Teamwork
What’s hard
- Work at heights
- Long rotations away from home
- Industry cycles
- Hazardous environment
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m comfortable at heights
- I want good pay without a degree
- I can handle rotations away from home
- I like teamwork
- I don’t mind hard work
- I want to become a driller
Not sure? Take the free Derrick Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Stay 100 percent tied off at heights
- Watch for kick indicators
- Wear H2S monitors
- Use chemical PPE when mixing mud