An oil derrick is sometimes more commonly referred to as a drilling rig, and it is a place where oil extraction takes place. Oil derrick jobs range from unskilled workers to managers, as well as non-oil jobs such as restoration and delivery. Roustabout positions are entry-level derrick jobs that require one employee to perform a wide range of jobs on the rig. These are unskilled workers, and the work they will do will be difficult and exhausting, but this position is a great way to enter the field and perhaps move up the ranks.

The tough jobs are oil derrick jobs that are one step above roustabouts. An active turtleneck is likely in the pipeline installation process at the oil well. Bullies must be in peak physical condition, as the jobs they must perform are exceptionally physically difficult, and the jobs can be dangerous. Safety training will be necessary to get these oil derrick jobs, and bullies usually start out as roustabouts who will learn the process beforehand. The salary difference between the two positions is not very large, but the gross position is a step up in salary qualification.

A mud recorder is a person who monitors the materials coming out of the borehole to form a report on the geology of the area. This is one of the most specialized jobs in oil derricks, and a person performing these tasks must be educated; the person generally has at least a bachelor's degree from a college or university. A mud engineer is a person who analyzes the mud that is used to cool the bit and essentially lubricate the drill; he or she will be responsible for making recommendations on the best chemicals or fluids to use in specific situations to prevent breakdown of the drill.

A driller is the manager of the rig, and oversees the drilling process and the people who work on that process. In some cases, a drill is fully automated, so the driller can simply monitor the progress of the drill to help prevent damage or setbacks in the process. Typically, he or she will report to the tool booster, who is the general manager of the entire drilling operation, both onshore and offshore. The driller will often have an assistant known as a derrickhand; This person may have to work on a derrick to ensure proper pipe positioning.