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Construction & Trades · Texas

How to Become a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Texas

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Texas earn a median salary of $66,430/year, which is 2% above the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a rotary drill operators, oil and gas takes home approximately $3,181/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$66K
Median salary in Texas
+2%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
5,940
Employed in Texas

What a rotary drill operators, oil and gas can afford in Texas

Gross annual salary$66,430
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,593/mo
Median 2BR rent (Texas)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home30.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$66,430/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,181/mo

Becoming a rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Texas

1

Meet education requirements

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas positions in Texas typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many rotary drill operators, oil and gas positions in Texas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Texas licensure or certification

Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for rotary drill operators, oil and gass. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Texas

Texas employs 5,940 rotary drill operators, oil and gas. The highest concentrations are in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands.

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary by metro area in Texas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos$82K$39.61/hr60
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands$79K$38.05/hr1,660
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington$78K$37.61/hr430
Tyler$78K$37.33/hr80
San Angelo$74K$35.43/hr50
Midland$65K$31.03/hr610
Odessa$57K$27.53/hr290
Wichita Falls$57K$27.52/hr40
Longview$55K$26.52/hr140
Abilene$53K$25.58/hr50

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas salary range in Texas

10th percentile (entry)
$40K
25th percentile
$53K
Median (50th)
$66K
75th percentile
$83K
90th percentile (senior)
$101K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a rotary drill operators, oil and gas make in Texas?

The median rotary drill operators, oil and gas salary in Texas is $66,430 per year ($31.94/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $65,010. Salaries range from $39,710 to $100,570.

What are the requirements to become a rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Texas?

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas positions in Texas typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a rotary drill operators, oil and gas afford to live in Texas?

At the median salary of $66,430, a rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Texas would take home approximately $4,593/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 30.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Texas?

The highest paying metro areas for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Texas are Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($82,380), Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ($79,150), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($78,220). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Texas have state income tax for rotary drill operators, oil and gas?

No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means rotary drill operators, oil and gas keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.