Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in the United States was $67,890 ($32.64 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| 25th | $53,810 | $25.87 |
| Median | $67,890 | $32.64 |
| 75th | $81,360 | $39.12 |
| 90th | $101,860 | $48.97 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 47-5012
- Total U.S. employment: 12,600
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $72,130 sits 6.2% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $47,010, median pay is $67,890, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $101,860.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $67,400 | $32.41 | -0.7% | 40 |
| Alaska | $85,470 | $41.09 | +25.9% | 130 |
| Arizona | $62,920 | $30.25 | -7.3% | 30 |
| Arkansas | $37,700 | $18.12 | -44.5% | 70 |
| California | $65,520 | $31.50 | -3.5% | 460 |
| Colorado | $79,830 | $38.38 | +17.6% | 110 |
| Florida | $61,970 | $29.79 | -8.7% | 180 |
| Kansas | $60,600 | $29.14 | -10.7% | 130 |
| Kentucky | $38,520 | $18.52 | -43.3% | 30 |
| Louisiana | $49,410 | $23.76 | -27.2% | 910 |
| Michigan | $54,020 | $25.97 | -20.4% | 70 |
| Mississippi | $67,290 | $32.35 | -0.9% | 130 |
| Nebraska | $79,140 | $38.05 | +16.6% | 40 |
| New Mexico | $82,780 | $39.80 | +21.9% | 580 |
| New York | $67,000 | $32.21 | -1.3% | 50 |
| North Carolina | $57,760 | $27.77 | -14.9% | 50 |
| North Dakota | $71,280 | $34.27 | +5.0% | 230 |
| Ohio | $63,600 | $30.58 | -6.3% | 290 |
| Oklahoma | $55,160 | $26.52 | -18.8% | 1,700 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,780 | $29.70 | -9.0% | 390 |
| Tennessee | $58,780 | $28.26 | -13.4% | 40 |
| Texas | $77,840 | $37.43 | +14.7% | 5,980 |
| Utah | $70,400 | $33.85 | +3.7% | 0 |
| Virginia | $61,410 | $29.52 | -9.5% | 110 |
| West Virginia | $57,020 | $27.41 | -16.0% | 240 |
| Wyoming | $61,000 | $29.33 | -10.1% | 200 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Bartenders — $34,340/yr
- Lawyers — $159,670/yr
- Computer User Support Specialists — $61,860/yr
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — $50,620/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
- Computer and Information Systems Managers — $175,140/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for rotary drill operators, oil and gas?
The median annual wage for rotary drill operators, oil and gas is $67,890 ($32.64 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays rotary drill operators, oil and gas the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many rotary drill operators, oil and gas are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 12,600 rotary drill operators, oil and gas employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do rotary drill operators, oil and gas make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $32.64. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.