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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$55,480
Median Annual Salary
▼ -17.3% vs 2024
$59,400
Mean Salary
$55,480
Median Salary
$26.67
Hourly Rate

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $52,760$52,76025th25% earn less than $52,770$52,770MedianHalf earn more than $55,480$55,48075th75% earn less than $68,920$68,92090thTop 10% earn more than $71,470$71,470

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California earn a median salary of $55,480 per year ($4,623/month). This is 6.6% below the national average of $59,398. California ranks #12 out of 19 states for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay. Salaries decreased by 17.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
4.0
Operation and Control
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.5
Speaking
3.38
Monitoring
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
3.58
Mathematics
3.31
English Language
3.21
Education and Training
3.03
Public Safety and Security
2.84
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma (68.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California

Salaries for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California range from $52,760 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $71,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $52,770 and $68,920.

Median $55,480
P10: $52,760 P25: $52,770 P75: $68,920 P90: $71,470
10th
$52,760
25th
$52,770
Median
$55,480
75th
$68,920
90th
$71,470
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,760 $25.37 $4,396
25th Percentile $52,770 $25.37 $4,397
Median (50th) $55,480 $26.67 $4,623
75th Percentile $68,920 $33.13 $5,743
90th Percentile (Experienced) $71,470 $34.36 $5,955

Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,400 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#12
California ranks #12 of 19 states
$59,398
National avg. for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
-6.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Data in California

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary by State

Compare Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in California?
The median annual salary for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California is $55,480 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,400.
What is the salary range for a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Salaries for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California range from $52,760 at the 10th percentile to $71,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $52,770 and $68,920.
What is the starting salary for a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Entry-level Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas positions in California typically start around $52,760 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $52,770 (25th percentile).
What is the hourly rate for a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in California is approximately $26.67 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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