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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in CO

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in CO have a median annual salary of $64,730, with 290 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $47,450 at the 10th percentile to $79,330 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$64,730

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$31.12

Employment

290

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$47,450
10th
$55,150
25th
$64,730
Median
$77,110
75th
$79,330
90th

Local compared with national

CO

$64,730

Median annual · 2025

United States

$58,620

Median annual · 2025

The CO median is 10.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,110).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.9
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.5
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.4
  5. 5.MonitoringImportance 3.4
  6. 6.RepairingImportance 3.4
  7. 7.Active ListeningImportance 3.3
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3
  9. 9.TroubleshootingImportance 3.3
  10. 10.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.3
  11. 11.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.1
  12. 12.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Less than a High School Diploma
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Common tasks

  • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
  • Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
  • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
  • Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
  • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  • Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
  • Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  • Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
  • Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in other locations

Other occupations in CO