There are currently an estimated 16,700 oil and gas rotary drill operators in the United States. The oil and gas rotary drill operator job market is expected to grow by 24.6% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are oil and gas rotary drill operators?
CareerExplorer rates oil and gas rotary drill operators with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 13,400 oil and gas rotary drill operators. That number is based on 4,100 additional oil and gas rotary drill operators, and the retirement of 9,300 existing oil and gas rotary drill operators.
What’s the supply of oil and gas rotary drill operators?
The oil and gas rotary drill operator industry is concentrated in Texas, Oklahoma, California
Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator job market by state
| State Name | Employed Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators |
|---|---|
| Texas | 5,750 |
| Oklahoma | 1,800 |
| California | 1,090 |
| Pennsylvania | 990 |
| Colorado | 990 |
| North Dakota | 900 |
| Louisiana | 670 |
| New Mexico | 440 |
| Mississippi | 270 |
| Kansas | 260 |
| West Virginia | 250 |
| Wyoming | 200 |
| Alaska | 200 |
| Utah | 180 |
| Illinois | 170 |
| Michigan | 120 |
| Arizona | 110 |
| Florida | 80 |
| Virginia | 80 |
| Alabama | 60 |
| Georgia | 50 |
| Tennessee | 30 |
| Montana | 30 |