Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas pay in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (TX), the median pay for rotary drill operators, oil and gas is $38.20 an hour ($79,450 a year). About 2,100 people work in this job there.
That is 17% higher than the U.S. median ($67,890). It is 2% higher than the Texas median ($77,840).
Pay range for rotary drill operators, oil and gas in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (TX)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $24.71 | $51,400 |
| 25% of workers | $31.37 | $65,240 |
| Half of workers (median) | $38.20 | $79,450 |
| 75% of workers | $47.71 | $99,240 |
| 90% of workers | $64.84 | $134,860 |
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas pay in Texas metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $81,360 | 470 |
| Tyler | $79,640 | 80 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (this page) | $79,450 | 2,100 |
| Midland | $78,260 | 490 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $63,310 | 90 |
| Odessa | $59,560 | 230 |
| Wichita Falls | $57,700 | 40 |
| Abilene | $56,540 | 50 |
Texas unemployment rate: 4.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for rotary drill operators, oil and gas
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.8% over ten years, little or no change · about 1,100 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands (TX)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | $47,260 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $84,100 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $49,940 |
| Wellhead Pumpers | $79,720 |
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | $62,910 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.