How much does a oil drill operator make?

In the U.S., experience and useful licenses or safety training can raise pay, and wages also differ by employer, duties, and location. Hours matter too: offshore or remote crews may work long shifts for weeks at a time.

Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration. Excludes “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas” (47-5023).

What's a typical day like?

They watch pressure gauges and move levers to control the drill, while counting pipe sections to track the hole’s depth. They connect pipes with the crew, record how far they drilled, and maintain the equipment.

In the U.S., many start as roustabouts, which often need no experience, then learn on the job and move through helper and derrick-operator roles toward driller. Some jobs require a commercial driver’s license or safety training that follows OSHA guidelines.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. crews on offshore rigs or in remote areas may work long shifts seven days a week and spend weeks away from home.