There are currently an estimated 16,700 rotary drill operators in the United States. The rotary drill operator job market is expected to grow by 24.6% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are rotary drill operators?
CareerExplorer rates rotary drill operators with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 13,400 rotary drill operators. That number is based on 4,100 additional rotary drill operators, and the retirement of 9,300 existing rotary drill operators.
What’s the supply of rotary drill operators?
The rotary drill operator industry is concentrated in Texas, Oklahoma, California
Rotary Drill Operator job market by state
| State Name | Employed Rotary Drill Operators |
|---|---|
| Texas | 5,750 |
| Oklahoma | 1,800 |
| California | 1,090 |
| Pennsylvania | 990 |
| Colorado | 990 |
| North Dakota | 900 |
| Louisiana | 670 |
| New Mexico | 440 |
| Mississippi | 270 |
| Kansas | 260 |
| West Virginia | 250 |
| Wyoming | 200 |
| Alaska | 200 |
| Utah | 180 |
| Illinois | 170 |
| Michigan | 120 |
| Arizona | 110 |
| Florida | 80 |
| Virginia | 80 |
| Alabama | 60 |
| Georgia | 50 |
| Tennessee | 30 |
| Montana | 30 |