As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Foreman in the United States is $131,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Drilling Foreman's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drilling Foreman'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Foreman'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Foreman | 0-3 years | $131,287 |
| Drilling Operations Superintendent | 3-5 years | $186,211 |
| Drilling and Production Director | 5+ years | $248,665 |
| Senior Vice President of Drilling Operations | 5+ years | $389,280 |
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 Drilling Foremans. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 25% |
| Geology | 25% |
| Installation | 25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Results Oriented
|
$150,995 |
15%
|
|
Geology
|
$140,491 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$133,926 |
2%
|
Drilling Foreman salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $152,988. While startup companies pay approximate $129,562.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $129,562 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $136,986 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $147,792 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $152,988 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Foremans enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Drilling Foreman with a Bachelor's Degree is between $116,155 and $125,170).
Drilling Foreman Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.6% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 5.6% |
| Doctorate | 5.6% |
Understanding how a Drilling Foreman'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drilling Foreman, 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 Operations Superintendent | $186,300 | 42% |
| Drilling Rig Supervisor | $94,100 | -28% |
Salaries for a Drilling Foreman can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,182 in 2023 to around $91,427 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Foreman salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $92,182 |
| 2024 | $92,192 |
| 2025 | $91,427 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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While Parker Drilling Co employees earn an average yearly salary of $93,598, drilling foremen can expect to earn significantly more. The salary range for drilling foremen is between $108,300 and $143,500, with a mid-salary of $123,400, indicating that there are opportunities for higher earnings in this role compared to many competitors.
The highest salary for a Drilling Foreman is ?14.35 lakhs per year, with a minimum salary of ?10.83 lakhs and a mid-range salary of ?12.34 lakhs. This reflects a competitive salary structure in the industry, ensuring skilled professionals are well-compensated for their expertise.
A Foreman holds a significant supervisory position, especially in settings like construction sites. With a salary range from $108,300 to $143,500, including a mid-salary of $123,400, this role reflects a high level of responsibility and expertise, making it a respected and well-compensated position in the industry.
Among the highest-paying occupations, Drilling Foremen earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $108,300, a median of $123,400, and a maximum of $143,500 per year. This positions them well within the upper tier of earners, alongside other high-paying professions such as cardiologists and specialized physicians.
Drilling can be a challenging job, with long hours and demanding conditions. Workers often face outdoor elements and may spend weeks at remote sites without breaks. However, the role of a Drilling Foreman comes with a competitive salary range, earning between $108,300 and $143,500, reflecting the skills and dedication required in this field.
As a foreman, you encounter various challenges, including managing diverse personalities, addressing unexpected issues, and balancing supervision with hands-on tasks. Despite the stress, the role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $108,300, a mid-salary of $123,400, and a maximum of $143,500, reflecting the responsibilities involved.
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.)
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