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As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Drill Operator III in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $70,100.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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Drill Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,800 | $6,233 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $70,100 | $5,842 | $1,348 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,700 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
Utilities One - Columbus, OH
Gudenkauf, a Congruex company - Columbus, OH
MasTec - Columbus, OH
Geotex Construction Services Inc - Columbus, OH
A Drill Operator III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drill Operator III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Drill Operator I | 0-1 years | $50,557 |
| Drill Operator II | 1-3 years | $56,375 |
| Drill Operator III | 3-5 years | $70,034 |
| Drilling Operations Team Lead | 5+ years | $81,709 |
| Drilling Rig Supervisor | 5+ years | $94,083 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Drill Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,679. While startup companies pay approximate $69,172.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,172 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,136 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,905 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,679 |
Understanding how a Drill Operator III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,800 | $6,233 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $70,100 | $5,842 | $1,348 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,700 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drill Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
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Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
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Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drill Operator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MD Staff, LLC
Columbus, OH
MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH
Emergency Medicine Physician Needed near Columbus, Ohio. An excellent opportunity for a full-time EM Physician to join an Emergency Department team near Co... more
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eviCore healthcare
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Provides timely expert medical review for requests to evaluate the medical necessity of services that do not meet utilization review criteria while located... more
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Neurologist Locum Tenens Opportunity Near Columbus, OH. We are excited to offer a rewarding locum tenens opportunity for a Board Certified or Board Eligibl... more
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Maxim Healthcare
Columbus, OH
Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH
Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more
13 Days Ago
Schneider
Columbus, OH
Schneider | Columbus, OH
CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more
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A drill press operator typically earns between $54,800 and $76,300 annually, with a median salary of around $64,700. While some cities may offer lower salaries, the overall compensation for this role reflects a solid earning potential within the specified range.
Drill rig operators typically earn between $54,800 and $76,300 annually, with a median salary of $64,700. This reflects a range of hourly pay, with many operators earning between approximately $20.62 and $30.62, depending on experience and location.
Drill rig operators in the US earn between $54,800 and $76,300 annually, with a median salary of $64,700. The average salary is approximately $57,917, while top earners can make up to $84,500. Hourly wages range from about $21 to $40, depending on experience and location.
Oil rig workers, specifically Drill Operators, typically earn between $54,800 and $76,300 annually. While entry-level positions may start lower, mid-level roles can approach $64,700. Senior positions can exceed $100,000, but most Drill Operators do not reach that threshold. Experience and role significantly influence salary levels in the industry.
Drill Operators are among the highest-paid heavy equipment operators, with salaries ranging from $54,800 to $76,300 per year. This positions them favorably compared to other roles like Winch Truck Drivers and Crane Operators, making Drill Operators a lucrative choice in the industry.
A drilling rig hand typically earns between $54,800 and $76,300 annually, with a median salary of around $64,700. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, with some cities offering higher pay. For instance, in Santa Clara, CA, the average salary is approximately $64,914.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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