Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 47-5012As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in the United States is $67,890 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 13,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $47,010 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $53,810 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $67,890 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $81,360 | Experienced |
| 90th | $101,860 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $85,470 | $94,040 | 130 |
| New Mexico | $82,780 | $80,120 | 580 |
| Colorado | $79,830 | $77,110 | 110 |
| Nebraska | $79,140 | $73,900 | 40 |
| Texas | $77,840 | $78,700 | 6,000 |
| North Dakota | $71,280 | $79,670 | 230 |
| Utah | $70,400 | $69,480 | — |
| Alabama | $67,400 | $74,520 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $67,290 | $62,420 | 130 |
| New York | $67,000 | $74,440 | 50 |
| California | $65,520 | $79,290 | 460 |
| Ohio | $63,600 | $64,970 | 290 |
| Arizona | $62,920 | $64,700 | 30 |
| Florida | $61,970 | $65,060 | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,780 | $68,660 | 390 |
| Virginia | $61,410 | $62,470 | 110 |
| Wyoming | $61,000 | $69,970 | 200 |
| Kansas | $60,600 | $57,710 | 130 |
| Tennessee | $58,780 | $62,480 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $57,760 | $58,370 | 50 |
| West Virginia | $57,020 | $57,540 | 240 |
| Oklahoma | $55,160 | $60,770 | 2,000 |
| Michigan | $54,020 | $60,310 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $49,410 | $55,220 | 910 |
| Kentucky | $38,520 | $41,720 | 30 |
| Arkansas | $37,700 | $45,870 | 70 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a rotary drill operators, oil and gas in the US?
The US national median wage for rotary drill operators, oil and gas is $67,890 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in the US?
Pay ranges from $47,010 at the 10th percentile to $101,860 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay rotary drill operators, oil and gas the most?
The highest-paying states for rotary drill operators, oil and gas include Alaska ($85,470), New Mexico ($82,780), Colorado ($79,830). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does rotary drill operators, oil and gas salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Alaska ($85,470) pays roughly 127% more than Arkansas ($37,700). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02