SOC 47-5012 · May 2025 · United States
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas across the United States is $67,890 per year, measured over 12,600 jobs. The highest state median is in Alaska, at $85,470.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Pay for this occupation varies by 126.7% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Alaska pays $85,470 and Arkansas pays $37,700.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $85,470 | 130 | |
| 2 | New Mexico | $82,780 | 580 | |
| 3 | Colorado | $79,830 | 110 | |
| 4 | Nebraska | $79,140 | 40 | |
| 5 | Texas | $77,840 | 5,980 | |
| 6 | North Dakota | $71,280 | 230 | |
| 7 | Utah | $70,400 | — | |
| 8 | Alabama | $67,400 | 40 | |
| 9 | Mississippi | $67,290 | 130 | |
| 10 | New York | $67,000 | 50 |
States with the most Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 5,980 | $77,840 | |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 1,700 | $55,160 | |
| 3 | Louisiana | 910 | $49,410 | |
| 4 | New Mexico | 580 | $82,780 | |
| 5 | California | 460 | $65,520 | |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 390 | $61,780 | |
| 7 | Ohio | 290 | $63,600 | |
| 8 | West Virginia | 240 | $57,020 | |
| 9 | North Dakota | 230 | $71,280 | |
| 10 | Wyoming | 200 | $61,000 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage | $85,470 | 40 |
| 2 | Dallas | $81,360 | 470 |
| 3 | Tyler | $79,640 | 80 |
| 4 | Houston | $79,450 | 2,100 |
| 5 | Midland | $78,260 | 490 |
| 6 | Bakersfield | $75,660 | 190 |
| 7 | Grand Junction | $69,120 | 30 |
| 8 | Canton | $63,600 | 50 |
| 9 | San Antonio | $63,310 | 90 |
| 10 | Farmington | $62,730 | 60 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
Explore related data