Careers · Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas · New Mexico
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in New Mexico
Derrick operators work on oil and gas rigs, managing the derrick equipment and operating pumps that circulate mud or fluid through the drill hole. This work takes place on drilling rigs, typically in remote locations In New Mexico the median pay is $59,570 a year, 2% above the national median of $58,620.
$59,570median pay in New Mexico, per year
$48,680–$71,810middle half earn
880employed in New Mexico
$58,620U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against derrick operators, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against derrick operators, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingSpeakingMonitoringRepairingActive ListeningComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
MechanicalMathematics (knowledge)English LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityTransportation
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas.
Licenses and training in New Mexico
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay in other states
Louisiana · $86,980Alaska · $78,050Wyoming · $76,750North Dakota · $71,850Florida · $64,950Colorado · $64,730Pennsylvania · $59,720Oklahoma · $58,270Utah · $56,980Texas · $56,100
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against derrick operators, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against derrick operators, oil and gas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-5011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, New Mexico, annual.