Jobs / Physical work / 47-5011.00

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

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

US jobs
10,590
Median wage
$58,620 a year
Job family
Physical work

Can agents do the work of derrick operators, oil and gas?

We read the evidence at the level of the job family, Physical work:

  • Task levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.
  • Project levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.

Unexplored territory

No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
  • Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.
  • Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.
  • Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
Other job titles for this occupation (14)

Derrick Hand · Derrick Man · Derrick Operator · Derrick Worker · Derrickhand · Derrickman · Floor Hand · Rig Hand · Roughneck · Fracturing Derrick Operator · Gas Derrick Operator · Oil Derrick Operator · Rotary Derrick Operator · Well Service Derrick Worker