Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
The median pay for a derrick operators, oil and gas in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $65,910/year ($31.69/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $51K at the entry level to $82K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 98.63), that's roughly $66,826 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,573/month — about 34.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands?
About derrick operators, oil and gas
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Entry-level derrick operators, oil and gas (10th percentile) start around $51K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $82K or more - a $31K 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much do derrick operators, oil and gas make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median is $65,910 a year - that works out to about $31.69 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,610, and experienced derrick operators, oil and gas can clear $81,510. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,563/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,573/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.5% 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands?
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands has a Regional Price Parity of 98.63 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median derrick operators, oil and gas salary is worth about $66,826 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.