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Average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Tulsa, OK

Rotary Drill Operators in Tulsa, OK, command an average annual salary of $65,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $70,080, indicating a localized market dynamic. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific operational costs within Oklahoma likely influence this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $65,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,200.
  • Outlook: The job market for Rotary Drill Operators in Tulsa, OK, appears robust, characterized by a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average. With a Location Quotient of 8.04, Tulsa demonstrates a strong specialization in this field, suggesting a stable demand for skilled operators within its 310-strong local workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$65,210

The average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Tulsa, OK earns-6.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.4

Weekly

$1,254

Monthly

$5,434

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK

Salary progression for Rotary Drill Operators in Tulsa, OK, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive operational knowledge and supervisory skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$43,900$21.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$48,908$23.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$63,960$30.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$81,513$39.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$81,200$39

Detailed Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$65,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal salary of $65,210 in Tulsa, OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Rotary Drill Operator's salary in Tulsa is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

0.683

Per 1K Jobs

8.04

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Tulsa, OK has 8.0x 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.

Tulsa's Location Quotient of 8.04 for Rotary Drill Operators signifies a highly concentrated job market, meaning the area employs significantly more of these professionals per worker than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek experienced talent, and opportunities are abundant for those with the requisite skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Tulsa, OK?

The median annual salary for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Tulsa, OK is $65,210. This typically ranges from $43,900 for entry-level positions to $81,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 6.9% lower than the national median of $70,080.

Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the extremely high concentration of jobs (LQ of 8.04) indicates strong local demand and potential for career growth within the sector.

Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($64,620) and Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.

How does Tulsa's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Rotary Drill Operators in Tulsa, OK, is $65,210, which is approximately $4,870 less than the national average of $70,080.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 8.04 mean for job seekers?

An LQ of 8.04 indicates that Tulsa has a significantly higher concentration of Rotary Drill Operators compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust job market for this profession.

How does the cost of living in Tulsa affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Tulsa's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $65,210 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Rotary Drill Operators in Tulsa?

There are approximately 310 Rotary Drill Operators employed in the Tulsa, OK area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 0.683 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.