As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Derrickhand in the United States is $75,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Derrickhand's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Derrickhand's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Derrickhand's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Derrickhand | $73,048 |
| Intermediate Level Derrickhand | $75,000 |
| Senior Level Derrickhand | $76,872 |
| Specialist Level Derrickhand | $77,127 |
| Expert Level Derrickhand | $77,552 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Derrickhands. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.76% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 5.76% |
| Equipment Operation | 2.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Management
|
$82,500 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$78,750 |
5%
|
|
Consulting
|
$77,250 |
3%
|
|
Alignment
|
$77,250 |
3%
|
|
CPT
|
$77,250 |
3%
|
|
Safety Training
|
$77,250 |
3%
|
Derrickhand salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,279. While startup companies pay approximate $73,879.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,879 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $78,113 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $84,311 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $87,279 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Derrickhands enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Derrickhand with a No Diploma is between $67,322 and $73,493).
Derrickhand Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.6% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 5.6% |
| Bachelors | 5.6% |
| Masters | 16.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Derrickhand's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Derrickhand, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Foreman | $131,300 | 75% |
| Drilling Operations Team Lead | $81,800 | 9% |
Salaries for a Derrickhand can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,559 in 2023 to around $72,728 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Derrickhand salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $73,559 |
| 2024 | $73,238 |
| 2025 | $72,728 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Derrickhand and their salaries, click below for more details.
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To become a derrickhand, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, along with one to two years of related experience. Strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in English for effective communication are essential. Salaries for derrickhands range from $64,700 to $92,900, with a median salary of $75,500.
Derrickhands typically earn between $64,700 and $92,900 annually, with a median salary of $75,500. While specific salaries for MLB mowers may vary, this range provides a general idea of earnings in related roles within the industry.
Deckhands can earn competitive salaries, with a range from $64,700 to $92,900 annually. Cities like Portland, OR, and New York, NY, offer some of the highest hourly rates, translating to significant annual earnings. The average salary for deckhands is around $75,500, making it a lucrative career in various locations across the United States.
How much does a Derrickhand earn in the USA? The salary for a Derrickhand ranges from a minimum of $64,700 to a maximum of $92,900, with a mid-range salary of $75,500. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role in the industry.
As of January 20, 2025, Derrickhands in the United States earn between $31.11 and $44.66 per hour, based on an annual salary range of $64,700 to $92,900. The average hourly pay is approximately $36.29, reflecting the competitive nature of this role in the industry.
Experience in lower-level positions on a rig, such as Floorhand or Roustabout, is typically required for a Derrickhand role. These positions offer crucial on-the-job training and familiarity with rig operations and safety protocols, equipping candidates for the advanced responsibilities of a Derrickhand. Salaries for this position range from $64,700 to $92,900, with a midpoint of $75,500.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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