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How much does a Oil and Gas Drilling Operator make in Calgary, Alberta?

Oil and Gas Drilling Operator in Calgary – $70,720 to $99,216 annually.

Average base salary

$42.00 /hour

Pays above Calgary Average Weekly : $1,680 Monthly : $7,280 Yearly : $87,360

National Average $40.00 /hour Salary & tax breakdown

Average cost of living

$3,692 /month

for a single person who rents in Calgary

Cost of living breakdown

Last Updated: November 19, 2025

What does a Oil and Gas Drilling Operator do?

As an Oil and Gas Drilling Operator, you'll play a crucial role in powering the world by ensuring efficient and safe drilling operations. You'll operate advanced machinery and hydraulic systems, working as part of a dynamic rig crew to enhance well productivity. Your expertise will help drive trucks and manage the precise placement of cement and other materials to stimulate production. This role is essential in drilling and well service companies, as well as petroleum producers, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in the energy sector.

Related Skills:

Driving Skills Chemical Handling Record Keeping Problem Solving Communication Skills Show all skills (10)

Core Skills

Driving Skills Safety Awareness

Technical Skills

Chemical Handling Drilling Equipment Maintenance Equipment Assembly Hydraulic Systems Operation

Foundational Skills

Record Keeping

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills Team Supervision

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Oil and Gas Drilling Operator jobs in Calgary, Alberta

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Highest paying cities for Oil and Gas Drilling Operator

Calgary, AB

$86,320 per year

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Red Deer, AB

$83,200 per year

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Edmonton, AB

$83,200 per year

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How much do similar professions as Oil and Gas Drilling Operator get paid in Alberta?

Forestry Technician

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$48,443 per year

Livestock Farm Equipment Operator

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$48,173 per year

Logging Equipment Operator

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$66,456 per year

Farm Worker

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$43,680 per year

Oil and Gas Well Driller

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$80,891 per year

Farm Worker

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$36,192 per year

Underground Miner

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$91,270 per year

Greenhouse Worker

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$40,560 per year

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of oil and gas well drilling workers?

Oil and gas well drilling workers operate drilling and service rig machinery, align and manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem, operate and maintain drilling mud systems and pumps, and supervise floorhands and labourers.

What qualifications are required to become an oil and gas well services operator?

Completion of secondary school is required, along with up to three months of training with an experienced operator. Certificates in first aid, hydrogen sulphide awareness, and other safety concerns may also be required.

What skills are essential for a career in oil and gas well drilling and services?

Key skills include chemical handling, communication skills, drilling equipment maintenance, driving skills, equipment assembly, hydraulic systems operation, problem solving, record keeping, safety awareness, and team supervision.

What is the typical salary range for oil and gas well drilling and services operators?

The typical salary range for these positions is $34.00 – $47.70.

Is there potential for career advancement in this field?

Yes, progression to oil and gas well driller or service rig operator is possible with experience. Additionally, oil and gas well services operators can advance to supervisor roles.

What industries employ oil and gas well drilling and services operators?

These professionals are employed by drilling and well service contractors and by petroleum producing companies.

What is the job outlook for oil and gas well drilling and services operators?

The job outlook is generally positive, with opportunities for advancement and specialization as the industry continues to evolve and expand.

Can oil and gas well drilling and services work be done remotely?

Due to the nature of the work, which involves operating machinery and equipment on-site, these roles are typically not suitable for remote work.

What is the population of Calgary, Alberta?

Calgary has a population of 1,306,784 as of 2021, which represents a 6% increase since 2016. [ Explore demographics in Calgary, Alberta ]

What is the average income in Calgary?

The average employment income in 2020 was $60,450, while the median for full-time, full-year workers was $72,500. [ Explore demographics in Calgary, Alberta ]

What are housing costs like in Calgary?

The median monthly shelter cost for owned dwellings is $1,720, compared to $1,350 for rented dwellings. [ Explore demographics in Calgary, Alberta ]

What is the unemployment rate in Calgary?

The unemployment rate in 2021 was 12.5%. [ Explore demographics in Calgary, Alberta ]

How many people in Calgary own their home?

68.8% of households in Calgary are owner-occupied, while 31.2% are renters. [ Explore demographics in Calgary, Alberta ]

20,000 Canadian salary reported, updated November 19, 2025 (data source: open.canada.ca).