Construction & Extraction
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Also called: Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker
US median pay
$58,620
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
900
10,700 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
What they do day to day
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring4.0/5
- Operation and Control3.9/5
- Repairing3.4/5
- Troubleshooting3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical3.6/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
- Transportation2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school69%
- High school diploma23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.