Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary (2025)
Based on 12,600 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $47,010 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $53,810 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $67,890 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $81,360 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $101,860 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$47K
25th
$54K
Median
$68K
75th
$81K
90th
$102K
Highest Paying States for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $94,040 |
| New Mexico | $80,120 |
| North Dakota | $79,670 |
| California | $79,290 |
| Texas | $78,700 |
| Colorado | $77,110 |
| Alabama | $74,520 |
| New York | $74,440 |
| Nebraska | $73,900 |
| Wyoming | $69,970 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Alaska at an average of $94,040 per year, while Wyoming has an average of $69,970 — a difference of $24,070. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12,600 workers were employed as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Construction and Extraction Occupations. The annual mean wage of $72,130 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 47-5012