Career comparison
Derrick Operator vs. Rotary Drill Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Rotary drill operators earn more at the median ($67,890 vs. $58,620), while derrick operators usually get to work faster (Under 5 years of rig experience of training). Derrick operators work high in the drilling rig handling pipe and managing drilling mud. Rotary drill operators run the drilling rig and lead the floor crew drilling oil and gas wells.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Derrick Operator | Rotary Drill Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,620 ($28.18/hr) | $67,890 ($32.64/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $43,380 – $81,800 | $47,010 – $101,860 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | +0.8% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 900 | 1,100 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Under 5 years of rig experience | Under 5 years of rig experience |
| Key credential | IADC RigPass | IADC WellSharp Driller |
| Work setting | Derrick operators work on drilling rigs, at heights on the derrick and around the mud system, in all weather.. | Drillers work on rigs from a control cabin and the rig floor, often in remote areas.. |
What each job does
Derrick Operator
- Handle pipe from the monkeyboard
- Mix and condition drilling mud
- Test mud weight and properties
- Maintain mud pumps and solids control
- Inspect derrick equipment
Rotary Drill Operator
- Operate drilling controls
- Control weight on bit and rotation
- Monitor well control indicators
- Supervise the floor crew
- Coordinate trips and pipe handling
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, hands-on work, teamwork, and shift work. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose derrick operator if…
- I’m comfortable at heights
- I want good pay without a degree
- I can handle rotations away from home
Choose rotary drill operator if…
- I want high pay without a degree
- I like leading a crew
- I stay calm under pressure
Still torn? Take the Derrick Operator fit quiz and the Rotary Drill Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, derrick operator or rotary drill operator?
Rotary Drill Operators earn more at the median: $67,890 versus $58,620 for derrick operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Derrick Operators typically train faster (Under 5 years of rig experience) than rotary drill operators (Under 5 years of rig experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects derrick operators to grow +1.6% from 2025–35, compared with +0.8% for rotary drill operators.