As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drill Operator III in Colorado is $71,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Drill Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Drill Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $76,300 | $6,358 | $1,467 | $37 |
| Average | $71,500 | $5,958 | $1,375 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,900 | $5,075 | $1,171 | $29 |
CoorsTek - Golden, CO
City of Thornton - Denver, CO
Town of Frederick - Longmont, CO
Utilities One - Denver, CO
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 | $51,585 |
| Drill Operator II | 1-3 years | $57,517 |
| Drill Operator III | 3-5 years | $71,456 |
| Drilling Operations Team Lead | 5+ years | $83,369 |
| Drilling Rig Supervisor | 5+ years | $95,994 |
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 $83,206. While startup companies pay approximate $70,431.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,431 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,468 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $80,376 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $83,206 |
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 | $76,300 | $6,358 | $1,467 | $37 |
| Average | $71,500 | $5,958 | $1,375 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,900 | $5,075 | $1,171 | $29 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drill Operator III, 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 | $134,000 | 87% |
| Drilling Operations Team Lead | $83,400 | 17% |
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.
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