Home > Salary > Australia > Derrick Operator
A derrick operator is responsible for operating and maintaining derricks, which are large structures used in the drilling and extraction of natural resources such as oil and gas. They work on drilling rigs and are involved in setting up and dismantling the derrick, operating the hoisting equipment to lift and lower drill pipes, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations.
Derrick operators must have a strong understanding of rig equipment and safety protocols. They need to be skilled at maneuvering heavy machinery, monitoring gauges and controls, and performing routine maintenance tasks. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and physical stamina are crucial in this occupation. They work closely with other members of the drilling team, including drillers and roughnecks, to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 168,154 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 14,013 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,234 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 81 AUD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,503 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,116 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 78 AUD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 83,639 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,970 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,608 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 168,154 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 14,013 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,234 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 81 AUD per hour
By working as Derrick Operator a person can save up to 4,553 USD per month or 54,633 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Australia, see costs of living in Australia.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Derrick Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Derrick Operator salary in Australia
Average Yearly Salary of Derrick Operator in Australia is approximately 168,154 AUD (83,639 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Derrick Operator do?

Skills: Derrick Operator, Drilling Operations, Rig Equipment, Heavy Machinery, Safety Protocols, Oil and Gas Extraction.
Job industry: Oil and gas
Job industry: Oil and gas
How much does Derrick Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Derrick Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 168,154 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 14,013 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,234 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 81 AUD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 162,038 AUDEstimated Monthly Salary: 13,503 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,116 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 78 AUD per hour
Derrick Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 83,639 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,970 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,608 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
Australia is a vast country located in the southern hemisphere. It has a diverse population of approximately 25 million people. The country spans an area of about 7.7 million square kilometers, making it the sixth-largest country in the world. Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Outback.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 84,179 AUD (60,430 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Derrick Operator job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Derrick Operator in Australia earns on average:
2 times the average salary (or 200% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 84,179 AUD (60,430 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Derrick Operator job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Derrick Operator in Australia earns on average:
2 times the average salary (or 200% of average salary).
Is Derrick Operator a well paid job?
No / we do not have enough data to assess this.What is considered a high salary for Derrick Operator?
High salary for Derrick Operator would be somewhere between 184,969 AUD and 243,823 AUD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Derrick Operator in Australia?
Living in Australia the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,417 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 168,154 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 14,013 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,234 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 81 AUD per hour
By working as Derrick Operator a person can save up to 4,553 USD per month or 54,633 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Australia, see costs of living in Australia.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Derrick Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
Fitness center manager (53,554 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
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