Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Construction and Extraction
Operates rotary drills by watching pressure gauges and working throttles, levers, and brake pedals to control table speed, tool pressure, and the raising and lowering of pipe and casing. Connects drill-pipe sections with hand tools and powered wrenches, counts rods to track borehole depth, and starts slush pumps so drilling mud stays consistent. Keeps written records of footage, rock layers, tools, and time, and trains the crew on safer, more effective drill procedures. Machinery is adjusted and maintained as the hole progresses. Suits people who like controlling heavy equipment, keeping careful logs, and teaching a crew on site.
Typical education: Less than a High School Diploma
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$67'890
Median Wage Market Position
$67'890
What you might do
- Control drill speed and pressure at the bit
- Raise and lower pipe with the draw works
- Join drill pipe sections with tongs
- Check mud pumps to keep fluid circulating
- Record footage drilled and layers penetrated
- Train crews on safer drilling methods
Skills that matter
- Watching gauges to set drill pressure
- Raising and lowering pipe and casing
- Training crews on safer drill methods
- Logging footage and rock layers hit
- Hearing the crew during pipe handling
- Connecting sections of drill pipe
AI & the future of this role
Automated drilling controls and remote operations centers might handle more of the routine bit and drill-string work. Reading formations, clearing stuck pipe, and safety calls on the rig floor are still likely to keep skilled people in demand.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details