Average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Oklahoma
Rotary Drill Operators in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $66,350, which is slightly below the national average of $70,080. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Oklahoma's robust oil and gas sector. While the nominal salary is lower, the overall economic picture for these professionals in the state warrants a closer look.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,680.
- Outlook: Oklahoma boasts a significant concentration of Rotary Drill Operators, with a Location Quotient of 10.96, indicating a workforce nearly eleven times more concentrated than the national average. Supporting a local workforce of 1,570 individuals, this high concentration suggests a stable and established demand for these specialized roles within the state's energy industry.
Salary Overview
The average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Oklahoma earns-5.3%below the national average.
$31.9
$1,276
$5,529
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Rotary Drill Operators in Oklahoma have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the oil and gas sector. Factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, technological advancements, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for experienced professionals.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Oklahoma
The salary progression for Rotary Drill Operators in Oklahoma typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower wage, but as operators gain proficiency, acquire specialized certifications, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential increases substantially. The gap between lower and higher percentile salaries reflects this clear career path and the value placed on seasoned expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,510 | $21.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $49,763 | $23.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $65,080 | $31.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $82,938 | $39.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $82,680 | $39.8 |
Detailed Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,151
Adjusted for COL (86)
The average annual salary of $66,350 in Oklahoma presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 86. This index is 14% lower than the national average, meaning that the purchasing power of an Oklahoma-based Rotary Drill Operator's salary is effectively higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,570
Total Jobs
0.93
Per 1K Jobs
10.96
Location Quotient
Oklahoma has 11.0x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 10.96, Oklahoma exhibits a highly concentrated market for Rotary Drill Operators, far exceeding the national average. This suggests that the state is a major hub for this profession, implying both a strong demand from employers and a potentially competitive environment for job seekers due to the abundance of skilled local talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $68,610↑ 3% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $65,210↓ 2% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma
Hiring Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Oklahoma is $66,350. This typically ranges from $45,510 for entry-level positions to $82,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma is 5.3% lower than the national median of $70,080.
Is Oklahoma a lucrative place for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes, especially when considering the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Oklahoma's significantly lower cost of living index makes the $66,350 salary highly competitive in terms of purchasing power.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($68,610) and Tulsa, OK.
How does the number of Rotary Drill Operators in Oklahoma compare nationally?
Oklahoma has 0.93 Rotary Drill Operators per 1,000 workers, indicating a strong presence within the state's overall labor force relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Oklahoma?
A Location Quotient of 10.96 means Oklahoma has a much higher concentration of Rotary Drill Operators than the national average, signifying a specialized and robust local industry for this occupation.
Does experience significantly impact a Rotary Drill Operator's salary in Oklahoma?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary increases for Rotary Drill Operators, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.
How does Oklahoma's cost of living affect the real value of a Rotary Drill Operator's salary?
Oklahoma's cost of living index of 86 means that the $66,350 salary offers greater purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living, making it financially advantageous.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,570 employees in the Oklahoma area with a job density of 0.93 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma