Career comparison
Derrick Operator vs. Roustabout
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Derrick operators earn more at the median ($58,620 vs. $46,960), while roustabouts usually get to work faster (1–3 months of training). Derrick operators work high in the drilling rig handling pipe and managing drilling mud. Roustabouts build, maintain and repair oil and gas sites and equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Derrick Operator | Roustabout | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,620 ($28.18/hr) | $46,960 ($22.58/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $43,380 – $81,800 | $36,420 – $64,530 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | +3.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 900 | 4,100 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Under 5 years of rig experience | 1–3 months |
| Key credential | IADC RigPass | SafeLand USA |
| Work setting | Derrick operators work on drilling rigs, at heights on the derrick and around the mud system, in all weather.. | Roustabouts work outdoors at well sites, tank batteries and yards, often in remote areas and harsh weather.. |
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
Roustabout
- Assemble and repair oilfield equipment
- Lay and repair pipelines
- Dig and backfill trenches
- Clean tanks and equipment
- Load and unload materials
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, physical work, hands-on work, and teamwork. 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 roustabout if…
- I want to start without experience
- I don’t mind hard physical work
- I like working outdoors
Still torn? Take the Derrick Operator fit quiz and the Roustabout fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, derrick operator or roustabout?
Derrick Operators earn more at the median: $58,620 versus $46,960 for roustabouts, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roustabouts typically train faster (1–3 months) than derrick operators (Under 5 years of rig experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects roustabouts to grow +3.6% from 2025–35, compared with +1.6% for derrick operators.