Career Profile
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas
Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.
General Information
Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration. Excludes Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas (47-5023).
Training Funds Available
This is a Rural Capital Area Target Occupation.
Training and education opportunities are available with eligible providers throughout the state.
Please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website for more details.
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Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas
Occupational Outlook
For the Rural Capital Area
Job Opportunities
Over the next five years, an average of 4 openings per year are projected for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas.
Employment Change
Employment for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 14.3% between 2023 and 2028.
Earnings Potential
An average worker in this occupation is paid $29.04/hour. Entry level workers are paid $20.39, while experienced workers are paid $33.75. The median wage is above average regional wages across occupations.
Local Employment Opportunities
There are 28 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 33.
Top 5 Employing Industries, Locally
The top industries employing Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas are Support Activities for Mining, Oil and Gas Extraction, and Other Specialty Trade Contractors.
Knowledge Areas
The top most significant knowledge categories for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas include Mechanical, Mathematics, and Administration and Management.
Educational Attainment Patterns
The most common level of education for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas is HS diploma or less. 10% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.