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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

47-5012 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas



Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration. Excludes “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas” (47-5021).

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Minnesota 5013$36.96/hr$26.53/hr$27.75/hr$37.69/hr$37.95/hr$51.28/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Natural Resources and MiningN/AN/A
Professional and Business Services20$27.75/hr
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Northeast Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN N/AN/AN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA N/AN/AN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA N/AN/AN/A
Rochester MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Northeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Minnesota 50$37.69/hr12.8%




  • Clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.
  • Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
  • Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
  • Position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.
  • Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
  • Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
  • Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.
  • Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.
  • Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
  • Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.