Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in California
The median pay for a derrick operators, oil and gas in California is $67,090/year ($32.26/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $42K at the entry level to $72K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $67K get you in California?
About derrick operators, oil and gas
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level derrick operators, oil and gas (10th percentile) start around $42K. Mid-career wages sit at $67K.Top earners bring in $72K or more - a $30K 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 California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do derrick operators, oil and gas make in California?
The median is $67,090 a year - that works out to about $32.26 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $42,190, and experienced derrick operators, oil and gas can clear $71,770. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $67K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,427/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 49.7% 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 California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median derrick operators, oil and gas salary is worth about $67,090 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.