Career Profile

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

What they do:

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

Also Called:

Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Floor Hand, Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Derrick Operator, Derrick Worker, Floor Hand
$43,840
Starting Salary (2025)
$56,100
Median Salary (2025)
0.5%
Projected Job Growth
5,810
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
String cables through pulleys and blocks.
Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
Concern for Others
Self-Control
Attention to Detail

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Monitoring
Repairing

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 1

Little or No Preparation Needed

Education

Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Less than high school 69%
  • High school diploma 23%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • Associate's degree 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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