12. Derrick operators, oil and gas
Median wage in 2015 – $47,910
This category includes several jobs, including actual derrick operator, gas, oil or rotary derrick operators, as well as well service derrick worker. The jobs regularly involve operating rig derrick equipment and operating pumps to circulate mud through the drill hole.
These jobs don’t require any formal educational credentials and there’s a short-term on-the-job training, so you get used to the safety procedures and the actual machinery.
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