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Average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Odessa, TX

Rotary Drill Operators in Odessa, TX, earn an average annual salary of $63,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $70,080, suggesting that while the demand for these specialized roles is present, local compensation may be influenced by factors specific to the West Texas oil and gas landscape. The cost of living in Odessa is precisely at the national average, meaning the nominal salary's purchasing power aligns with the rest of the country.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,840.
  • Outlook: The local workforce for Rotary Drill Operators in Odessa, TX, comprises 290 individuals, indicating a substantial, albeit concentrated, segment of the labor market. With a Location Quotient of 42.73, this role is significantly more concentrated in Odessa than the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized job market. The presence of 3.627 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of this profession within the regional economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,250

The average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Odessa, TX earns-9.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.4

Weekly

$1,216

Monthly

$5,271

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Odessa, TX

Salary progression for Rotary Drill Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on accumulated expertise and operational proficiency in this demanding field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,640$17.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$47,438$22.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$57,250$27.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$79,063$38
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$82,840$39.8

Detailed Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal salary of $63,250 in Odessa, TX, holds its value effectively due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's earnings in Odessa is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a similarly priced region. Therefore, the stated salary provides a standard of living consistent with national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

3.627

Per 1K Jobs

42.73

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Odessa, TX has 42.7x the national concentration of Rotary Drill 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.

Odessa, TX, exhibits an exceptionally high Location Quotient of 42.73 for Rotary Drill Operators, indicating a market where this profession is vastly overrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and concentrated job market, implying strong local demand and a significant pool of experienced professionals. While this concentration points to abundant opportunities, it could also signify a competitive environment for new entrants.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Comparing salaries near Odessa, TX

Hiring Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Odessa, TX?

The median annual salary for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Odessa, TX is $63,250. This typically ranges from $35,640 for entry-level positions to $82,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Odessa, TX is 9.7% lower than the national median of $70,080.

Is Odessa, TX a lucrative place for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While Odessa has a high concentration of these jobs, the average salary of $63,250 is below the national average of $70,080. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power standard.

Is Odessa, TX a good place to live for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?

The Cost of Living Index in Odessa, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Odessa, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Midland, TX ($66,070) and others.

How does Odessa's cost of living compare to the national average?

Odessa, TX, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing, is comparable to the rest of the United States.

What does a Location Quotient of 42.73 mean for Rotary Drill Operators in Odessa?

A Location Quotient of 42.73 signifies that Rotary Drill Operator jobs are over 42 times more concentrated in Odessa, TX, than the national average. This indicates a very specialized local job market with high demand for this role.

How many Rotary Drill Operators are there in Odessa, TX?

There are approximately 290 Rotary Drill Operators employed in Odessa, TX, representing a significant portion of the local workforce dedicated to this specialized role.

Is experience important for Rotary Drill Operators in Odessa?

Yes, experience is crucial. As operators gain more experience, their salaries typically increase, reflecting their enhanced skills, knowledge, and ability to handle more complex operations, moving them into higher pay percentiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Odessa, TX area with a job density of 3.627 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.