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Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$65,520
Median Annual Salary
▼
-34.1% vs 2024
$79,290
Mean Salary
$65,520
Median Salary
$31.50
Hourly Rate
460 people work as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California earn a median salary of $65,520 per year ($5,460/month).
This is 2.9% above the national average of $63,677.
California ranks #11 out of 26 states for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas pay.
Approximately 460 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 34.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
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.
Top Skills
Critical Thinking
3.62
Operations Monitoring
3.62
Operation and Control
3.62
Monitoring
3.5
Active Listening
3.38
Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
3.87
Mathematics
3.76
Administration and Management
3.33
Education and Training
3.2
Personnel and Human Resources
3.08
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
(31.1% of workers)
Salary Range: Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California
Salaries for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California range from $49,880 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $120,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,380 and $102,240.
How much do Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in California?
The median annual salary for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California is $65,520 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $79,290.
What is the salary range for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Salaries for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California range from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $120,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,380 and $102,240.
What is the starting salary for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Entry-level Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas positions in California typically start around $49,880 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,380 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 460 people are employed as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in California is approximately $31.50 per hour.
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.
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