Wages vary by employer, area of specialization, and area of the country. The worker's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Rotary drill operators usually have the most responsibility for the drilling operation. Thus, they earn the highest wages.
Gas and oil drillers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Derrick operators, oil and gas (SOC 47-5011)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$19.94 |
$21.76 |
$21.77 |
| Yearly |
$41,482 |
$45,269 |
$45,272 |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
Hourly |
$20.48 |
$21.76 |
$21.77 |
| Yearly |
$42,588 |
$45,269 |
$45,272 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$20.96 |
$24.62 |
$29.60 |
| Yearly |
$43,590 |
$51,220 |
$61,570 |
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas (SOC 47-5012)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$25.09 |
$26.66 |
$26.67 |
| Yearly |
$52,172 |
$55,455 |
$55,458 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$22.23 |
$26.57 |
$35.00 |
| Yearly |
$46,250 |
$55,260 |
$72,790 |
Service unit operators, oil and gas (SOC 47-5013)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$16.24 |
$20.01 |
$23.70 |
| Yearly |
$33,792 |
$41,628 |
$49,299 |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
Hourly |
$15.43 |
$19.30 |
$23.48 |
| Yearly |
$32,096 |
$40,143 |
$48,837 |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
Hourly |
$18.42 |
$19.48 |
$22.82 |
| Yearly |
$38,316 |
$40,502 |
$47,467 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$19.72 |
$24.11 |
$31.09 |
| Yearly |
$41,010 |
$50,140 |
$64,680 |