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  1. Occupations
  2. Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.

SOC: 47-5012.00

Common Job Titles

  • Daylight Driller
  • Drill Operator
  • Driller
  • Tool Pusher

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

13,090

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $42,750. 25th percentile: U.S. $52,600. 50th percentile: U.S. $65,010. 75th percentile: U.S. $81,550. 90th percentile: U.S. $98,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$42,750
10% of workers earn the following or more$98,510
Workers on average earn$70,080

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mechanical3.9/5
  • Mathematics3.8/5
  • Administration and Management3.3/5
  • Education and Training3.2/5
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • Salesforce software

Technology Skills

  • CAPSHER Technology SureTec
  • Drillingsoftware DrillPro
  • Drillingsoftware Tubular Database
  • Pason WellView Field Solution
  • Schlumberger Petrel E&P
  • Structure query language SQL

Tools & Equipment

  • Accumulator systems
  • Adapter spools
  • Air hoists
  • Cement pumping equipment
  • Chain driven draw works
  • Choke manifolds
  • Claw hammers
  • Double studded adapters
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas 47-5023.00
  • Helpers--Extraction Workers 47-5081.00
  • Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas 47-5013.00
  • Roustabouts, Oil and Gas 47-5071.00
  • Wellhead Pumpers 53-7073.00

Moderately Similar

  • Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas 47-5011.00
  • Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4032.00
  • Continuous Mining Machine Operators 47-5041.00
  • Dredge Operators 53-7031.00
  • Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 51-8093.00

Related

  • Maintenance Workers, Machinery 49-9043.00
  • Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining 47-5022.00
  • Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-4122.00
  • Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 47-2073.00
  • Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 51-4194.00
  • Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 51-7042.00
  • Hoist and Winch Operators 53-7041.00
  • Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4034.00
  • Rock Splitters, Quarry 47-5051.00
  • Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4035.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CourseOil Spill AwarenessIssuer: Oil Spill Response Limited
  • CertificationManaged Pressure DrillingIssuer: International Association of Drilling Contractors
  • CertificationWellSharp CertificationIssuer: International Association of Drilling Contractors
  • CertificationDrill Rig OperatorIssuer: National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators