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Average Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Derrick Operators in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $50,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,490, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand compared to more industrialized oil and gas hubs. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in dictating compensation levels for specialized roles like Derrick Operators.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,350.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 Derrick Operators, the job market in Eastern New Mexico demonstrates a concentrated presence of this profession. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 53.92 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized labor pool. This concentration points to a stable, albeit niche, job market for Derrick Operators within this specific region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,900

The average Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-18.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.5

Weekly

$979

Monthly

$4,242

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Derrick Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the 75th or 90th percentile. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and increased earning potential within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$30,870$14.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,175$18.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,890$23
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,625$30.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$71,350$34.3

Detailed Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,900 in Eastern New Mexico aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the $50,900 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average, without the potential premium associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

630

Total Jobs

3.862

Per 1K Jobs

53.92

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 53.9x the national concentration of Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 53.92 for Derrick Operators in Eastern New Mexico is exceptionally high, far exceeding the national average of 1.0. This signifies a highly concentrated industry presence, indicating that this region is a significant hub for this specific occupation relative to its overall workforce size. While this suggests strong local demand and a specialized job market, it also implies that opportunities might be less diverse compared to broader national markets.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas make in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $50,900. This typically ranges from $30,870 for entry-level positions to $71,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 18.5% lower than the national median of $62,490.

Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass?

No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $50,900 is substantially lower than the national average of $62,490. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.

Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas?

The Cost of Living Index in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 630 Derrick Operators suggests a stable, established presence of the profession. While not a massive number, the high concentration (Location Quotient) indicates that these roles are integral to the regional economy.

What does a Location Quotient of 53.92 mean for Derrick Operators?

A Location Quotient of 53.92 means that Derrick Operators are over 53 times more concentrated in Eastern New Mexico than the national average. This points to a specialized regional economy heavily reliant on this occupation.

Does the Cost of Living Index of 100 mean salaries are average?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the general cost of goods and services in Eastern New Mexico is the same as the national average. Therefore, the $50,900 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost-of-living area.

What is the job density for Derrick Operators in this region?

There are 3.862 jobs per 1,000 workers for Derrick Operators in Eastern New Mexico. This indicates a moderate level of job availability relative to the overall workforce size.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.862 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.