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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Other titles employers use
Derrick Hand · Derrick Man · Derrick Operator · Derrick Worker · Floor Hand · Fracturing Derrick Operator · Gas Derrick Operator · Oil Derrick Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Repairing
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Reaction Time
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.5 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 4.5 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.6 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Most employers do not ask for a formal credential. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 91%
- A certificate or some college 5%
- A two-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 8,090
- Job openings each year
- 860
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 11.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 8,090 | 860 | 11.1% |
| New Mexico | 1,190 | 130 | 21.4% |
| North Dakota | 850 | 90 | 19.7% |
| Colorado | 630 | 70 | 37.0% |
| Louisiana | 570 | 60 | −1.7% |
| Oklahoma | 540 | 60 | 8.0% |
| Kansas | 350 | 30 | −10.3% |
| Wyoming | 190 | 20 | 11.8% |
| Alaska | 180 | 20 | 50.0% |
| Mississippi | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| West Virginia | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Ohio | 30 | 0 | — |
| Illinois | 20 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 10 | 0 | — |
| Idaho | 10 | 0 | — |
| Indiana | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.