Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Bakersfield-Delano, CA
The median pay for a derrick operators, oil and gas in Bakersfield-Delano, CA is $60,810/year ($29.24/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $68K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 100.89), that's roughly $60,274 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,483/month — about 37.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $61K get you in Bakersfield-Delano?
About derrick operators, oil and gas
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Bakersfield-Delano, CA
Entry-level derrick operators, oil and gas (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $61K.Top earners bring in $68K or more - a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $84K | +35% | 1,510 |
| Alaska | $81K | +29% | 170 |
| North Dakota | $70K | +11% | 730 |
| California | $67K | +7% | 250 |
| Florida | $64K | +3% | 80 |
| Wyoming | $62K | -1% | 160 |
| Texas | $62K | -2% | 4,840 |
| New Mexico | $60K | -4% | 1,070 |
| West Virginia | $58K | -8% | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | $57K | -9% | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $55K | -13% | 710 |
| Arkansas | $50K | -20% | 110 |
| Ohio | $50K | -21% | 120 |
| Mississippi | $48K | -23% | 130 |
| Michigan | $45K | -28% | 70 |
Track derrick operators, oil and gas salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Bakersfield-Delano numbers change.
Related careers in Construction & Trades
Frequently asked questions
How much do derrick operators, oil and gas make in Bakersfield-Delano, CA?
The median is $60,810 a year - that works out to about $29.24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,380, and experienced derrick operators, oil and gas can clear $67,930. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $61K enough to live in Bakersfield-Delano?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,078/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 36.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a derrick operators, oil and gas salary go in Bakersfield-Delano?
Bakersfield-Delano has a Regional Price Parity of 100.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median derrick operators, oil and gas salary is worth about $60,274 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do derrick operators, oil and gas get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.