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Drill Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Drill Operator I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drill Operator I in the United States is $50,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Drill Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,254
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,900 to $56,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,710
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Drill Operator I Salaries

A Drill Operator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Drill Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Drill Operator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Drill Operator I (0-1 years): $50,555
  • Drill Operator II (1-3 years): $56,378
  • Drill Operator III (3-5 years): $70,035
  • Drilling Operations Team Lead (5+ years): $81,706
  • Drilling Rig Supervisor (5+ years): $94,084
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Drill Operator I0-1 years$50,555
Drill Operator II1-3 years$56,378
Drill Operator III3-5 years$70,035
Drilling Operations Team Lead5+ years$81,706
Drilling Rig Supervisor5+ years$94,084
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How Do Drill Operator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Drill Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $56,000.
  • California: $55,800.
  • Massachusetts: $55,100.

Top Paying Cities for Drill Operator Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $63,800
  • San Francisco: $63,100
  • Oakland: $61,800

Drill Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Drill Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,790. While startup companies pay approximate $49,795.

Drill Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,795
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,642
Established 501~5000 $56,794
Enterprise 5000+ $58,790

Drill Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Drill Operator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$44,900
Average $50,600/year
$56,700
$3,742
Average $4,217/month
$4,725
$863
Average $973/week
$1,090
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,700 $4,725 $1,090 $27
Average $50,600 $4,217 $973 $24
25th Percentile $44,900 $3,742 $863 $22

Drill Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Drill Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drill Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Drilling Foreman $131,400 160%
Derrickhand $78,200 55%
Drill Operator II $56,400 11%

Most common benefits for Drill Operator I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Drill Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Drill Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Drill Operator I

1. What is the highest paid trucking job?

The highest paid trucking jobs include OTR Owner Operator Truck Drivers, earning between $150,000 and $312,000 annually. Other lucrative positions are Local Owner Operator Truck Drivers, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $222,000. In comparison, Drill Operators have a salary range of $41,500 to $55,300, making them less lucrative than top trucking roles.

2. How much do oil rig workers make in the US?

In conclusion, oil rig workers in the U.S., particularly Drill Operators, earn competitive salaries. The salary range for this role is approximately $41,500 for entry-level positions, with mid-level salaries around $48,000, and experienced workers can earn up to $55,300. This reflects the potential for career growth and substantial earnings in the energy sector.

3. How much does a diamond driller earn in USA?

A diamond driller in the USA typically earns between $41,500 and $55,300 annually, with a median salary of around $48,000. This places the role within a competitive salary range compared to other drilling jobs, with some positions earning significantly more.

4. Which carrier has the highest salary?

The highest salary for a Drill Operator ranges from $41,500 to $55,300, with a median salary of $48,000. While this is competitive, it is significantly lower than top-paying careers like Emergency Medicine Physicians, Neurologists, and Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who earn around $115 per hour.

5. Do offshore drillers make good money?

Offshore drillers can earn a competitive salary. Based on current data, the minimum salary for a Drill Operator is $41,500, with a mid-range salary of $48,000 and a maximum of $55,300. This indicates that offshore drillers can make a good income, especially as they gain experience and skills in the field.

6. How much do drill rig operators make?

Drill rig operators typically earn between $41,500 and $55,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,000. This aligns with the average hourly pay of approximately $27.48 in California, where salaries can vary significantly based on experience and location.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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