Home > Salary > New Zealand > 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: 134,188 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,182 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,828 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,499 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 62 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 67,334 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,611 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,295 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 32 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
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
Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,188 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,182 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 NZD per hour
By working as Derrick Operator a person can save up to 3,673 USD per month or 44,073 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 New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
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 New Zealand
Average Yearly Salary of Derrick Operator in New Zealand is approximately 134,188 NZD (67,334 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: 134,188 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,182 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 NZD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 129,940 NZDEstimated Monthly Salary: 10,828 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,499 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 62 NZD per hour
Derrick Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 67,334 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,611 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,295 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 32 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
New Zealand, a beautiful island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant Maori culture. With a population of around 5 million people, it is sparsely populated compared to its size. The country covers an area of approximately 268,000 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Derrick Operator job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Derrick Operator in New Zealand earns on average:
1.66 times the average salary (or 166% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Derrick Operator job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Derrick Operator in New Zealand earns on average:
1.66 times the average salary (or 166% of average salary).
Is Derrick Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Derrick Operator is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Derrick Operator?
High salary for Derrick Operator would be somewhere between 147,607 NZD and 194,573 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Derrick Operator in New Zealand?
Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 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: 134,188 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,182 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 NZD per hour
By working as Derrick Operator a person can save up to 3,673 USD per month or 44,073 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 New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa. 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:
Nuclear medicine technologist (88,537 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Computer help desk operator (63,642 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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Production estimator (72,829 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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