Derrickman Courses
A Derrickman services drilling rigs, sets up and dismantles equipment, requiring safety focus, operating skills, teamwork, and working away from home at times.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Derrickman
Get qualified to work as a Derrickman with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
RII21120
The RII21120 Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing is an entry-point for work at oil and gas drilling sites. This nationally recognised qualification is suitable for roustabouts, lease hands, utility and floor operators. Competencies include: workplace communication and safety, following work procedures, identifying and controlling hazards, basic rigging and dogging. There is also scope to obtain a number of WHS licences and work permits. Enquire now for entry requirements, oil...
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RII32020
Get a job at an Australian oil or gas drilling site with the RII32020 Certificate III in Drilling Oil and Gas (Onshore). This nationally recognised certificate qualifies you for work as a derrick operator and assistant driller. The course covers: communication and safety, incident and emergency response, ancillary equipment operation, mud pump and systems operations, driving work vehicles in the field, operational maintenance, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, oil and gas drilli...
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RII32220
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 operat...
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Related career opportunities
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Common questions
How much does a Derrickman earn?
In Australia, a full time Derrickman generally earns $1,750 per week ($91,000 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Derrickman?
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
How do I become a Derrickman?
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.
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More information
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.
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