Money · 1 of 5
What the wage survey shows
Median
$58,160
Bottom tenth
$38,940
Top tenth
$97,560
These figures are for service unit operators in oil and gas, one of several rig jobs the survey counts separately: the median is $58,160 a year and the bottom tenth earn $38,940 or less. Derrick operators have a median of $58,620 a year and rotary drill operators $67,890. A slow year can mean no work at all.