Career Overview
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Also Known As
- Derrick Hand
- Derrick Man
- Derrick Operator
- Floor Hand
Alternate Job Titles
- Derrick Hand
- Derrick Man
- Derrick Operator
- Derrick Worker
- Driller
- Drilling Motorman
- Floor Hand
- Fracturing Derrick Operator
- Gas Derrick Operator
- Oil Derrick Operator
- Rotary Derrick Operator
- Well Service Derrick Worker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Reaction Time
- Problem Sensitivity
- Static Strength
- Extent Flexibility
- Auditory Attention
- Hearing Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air hoists
- Balance beam scales
- Ball peen hammers
- Blowout prevention equipment
- Borehole casings
- Breakout tongs
- Casing elevators
- Casing slips
- Chain blocks
- Derrick crown blocks
- Derrick hoists
- Derrick hooks
- Derrick ladders
- Derrick scaffolds
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $42,930 |
| Median | $62,740 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $84,620 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 11,040
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $65,010
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $47,510
Helpers--Extraction Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,400
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $59,600
Wellhead Pumpers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $70,010
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.