Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator

Your Fit

Income

$65K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator?

Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators manage and control the operations of rotary drills to extract oil or gas from underground. They are essential in the energy sector, ensuring efficient and safe drilling operations.

Sample job titles:

Daylight Driller, Drill Operator, Driller, Tool Pusher

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$53K per year	$65K per year	$82K per year	$98K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator do?

Work environment

Operators typically work on drilling sites, which can be offshore oil rigs or onshore oil fields. The environment is demanding, with operators working in all weather conditions, often for long hours and extended periods. Safety protocols are crucial due to the high-risk nature of the work.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates drilling equipment and machinery.
Monitors drilling operations and adjusts equipment as necessary.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
Performs maintenance on drilling equipment.
Records drilling activity and maintains logs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Offshore Drilling: Operating on oil rigs located in ocean waters.
Onshore Drilling: Conducting drilling operations on land-based oil fields.
Directional Drilling: Specializing in controlled drilling directions for specific well placement.
Drilling Fluids Specialist: Managing the properties of drilling fluids or mud.
Well Control Specialist: Focusing on preventing blowouts and maintaining well pressure.

Description

Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators play a vital role in the extraction of oil and natural gas, resources crucial to global energy needs. Their work involves managing complex machinery and equipment to drill wells for oil and gas extraction. The job requires not only technical skills but also a strong commitment to safety and environmental regulations, as the drilling process can be hazardous.

The occupation demands physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Operators must be able to quickly assess and respond to potential issues or malfunctions during drilling operations. They also need to have a good understanding of geology and petroleum engineering principles to effectively carry out drilling activities.

Career growth in this field often comes with experience and additional training. Operators may advance to supervisory roles or specialize in particular aspects of drilling operations. The work can be highly rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment in contributing to essential energy production.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a critical role in global energy production.
The challenge and variety of working with complex machinery.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization in the field.

You might make a good Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator if you are...

Interested in mechanical operations and heavy machinery.
Physically fit and capable of handling demanding work conditions.
Committed to safety and environmental standards.
Able to work in a team and handle high-pressure situations.
Keen on working in the energy sector with potential for global impact.

Pros:

High demand for skilled operators in the energy sector.
Opportunities for lucrative pay and overtime.
Potential for rapid career advancement.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work environment.
Long hours and extended periods away from home, especially in offshore drilling.
Exposure to harsh weather conditions and noisy equipment.

How to become an Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required. While much of the training is on-the-job, some operators pursue vocational training or courses in petroleum engineering or related fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational training focusing on mechanics and machinery.
Physical education to build stamina and physical strength.
Science courses, especially physics and earth sciences, for a basic understanding of geology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports for physical fitness.
Joining technical clubs like robotics or automotive repair.
Volunteering in community projects or environmental conservation initiatives.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical training in petroleum engineering, drilling operations, or related fields.
On-the-job training or apprenticeships in the oil and gas industry.
Pursuing certifications specific to drilling operations and safety procedures.

More resources

International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) - Provides resources and training for drilling industry professionals.
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) - Offers educational materials and networking opportunities for those in the petroleum industry.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed job descriptions, educational requirements, and career outlooks for rotary drill operators.
American Petroleum Institute (API) - Industry standards, certifications, and training resources for oil and gas professionals.

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