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A Derrickman works on a range of equipment in the oil and gas industry. You might service oil and gas wells or maintain other parts of a drilling rig. A Derrickman may assist with setting up equipment or dismantling it when it is no longer required. You might also help with transporting rigs when needed.
A Derrickman should be safety focused and able to follow correct procedures at all times. It’s important you can communicate clearly and enjoy working as part of a team. A Derrickman should have good operating skills and excellent attention to detail. You may be required to work away from home for periods of time.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Derrickman.
Possible job outcomes:
Get started in natural gas mining with the RII32220 Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations. This nationally recognised qualification prepares you for work at coal seam gas mining sites as a derrick operator or assistant driller. The course covers: coal seam gas control practices, on-the-job safety and emergency procedures, working in accordance with an issued work permit, operating and maintaining ancillary equipment, operating fluid systems, well servicing air operations, maintaining derrick operations, maintaining fish operations, operating vehicles in the field, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, entry requirements, and course enrolment opportunities near you..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Derrickman generally earns $1,550 per week ($80,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this field has decreased in recent years. There are currently 1,700 people employed as a Derrickman in Australia, compared to 2,900 five years ago. A Derrickman may find work across regions of Australia when oil and gas operations are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a Derrickman interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations. This course covers a range of technical and operational skills such as drilling, maintaining ancillary equipment, blow out prevention and fluid systems operation. You’ll also learn about team communication, job safety, risk management and emergency incident responses.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within oil and gas. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Oil and Gas
Apprentice Engineer
$960 weekly pay
Engineering Tradesperson
Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
$1,800 weekly pay
Derrickman
$1,550 weekly pay
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Gas Industry Operator
$1,440 weekly pay
Hydraulic Fitter
$1,350 weekly pay
Hydraulic Mechanic
Industrial Electrician
Instrumentation Technician
$1,400 weekly pay
Machinist
Mechanical Fitter
Plant Mechanic
Plant Operator
Research Engineer
$2,300 weekly pay
Learn more about Derrickman courses in your area.