The average salary for a derrick operator in the United States is around $58,620 per year.
Avg Salary
Derrick operators earn an average yearly salary of $58,620.
Wages typically start from $43,380 and go up to $81,800.
12% below national average Updated in 2025
Derrick operator earnings by seniority
Top-level derrick operator earnings begin at:
$39.33 per hour
$81,800 per year
Senior-level derrick operator earnings begin at:
$34.43 per hour
$71,610 per year
Mid-level derrick operator earnings begin at:
$28.18 per hour
$58,620 per year
Junior-level derrick operator earnings begin at:
$23.98 per hour
$49,880 per year
Starting level derrick operator earnings begin at:
$20.86 per hour
$43,380 per year
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.
Derrick operator salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $86,980 |
| Alaska | $78,050 |
| Wyoming | $76,750 |
| North Dakota | $71,850 |
| Florida | $64,950 |
| Colorado | $64,730 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,720 |
| New Mexico | $59,570 |
| Oklahoma | $58,270 |
| Utah | $56,980 |
| Texas | $56,100 |
| California | $55,480 |
| Ohio | $50,650 |
| West Virginia | $50,640 |
| Arkansas | $50,070 |
| Alabama | $49,350 |
| Montana | $48,110 |
| Mississippi | $47,340 |
| Illinois | $45,900 |
| Michigan | $45,180 |
| Kansas | $36,750 |
How do derrick operator salaries compare to similar careers?
Derrick operators earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than HVAC technicians but more than tile and marble setters.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| HVAC technician salary | $61K |
| Pump operator salary | $62K |
| Drywall installer salary | $59K |
| Water treatment plant operator salary | $60K |
| Plasterer salary | $58K |
| Derrick operator salary | $59K |
| Cement mason salary | $57K |
| Ship loader salary | $59K |
| Glazier salary | $57K |
| Tile and marble setter salary | $56K |
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)