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Hourly Wage for Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Drilling Operations Superintendent?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Drilling Operations Superintendent in the United States is $90, which translates to an annual salary of about $186,300.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81 to $96 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Drilling Operations Superintendent Salaries

A Drilling Operations Superintendent's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Drilling Operations Superintendents

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: $235,000
  • San Francisco: $232,400
  • Oakland: $227,500

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Drilling Operations Superintendent salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $216,454. While startup companies pay approximate $183,335.

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $183,335
Growth Stage 51~500 $193,819
Established 501~5000 $209,107
Enterprise 5000+ $216,454

How Education impacts a Drilling Operations Superintendent's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Operations Superintendents 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 Operations Superintendent with a Bachelor's Degree is between $137,545 and $148,879).

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Drilling Operations Superintendent
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 13.6%
High School 13.6%
Associates 13.6%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 22.7%
Doctorate 0.0%

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Drilling Operations Superintendent'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
$169,500
Average $186,300/year
$199,000
$14,125
Average $15,525/month
$16,583
$3,260
Average $3,583/week
$3,827
$81
Average $90/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $199,000 $16,583 $3,827 $96
Average $186,300 $15,525 $3,583 $90
25th Percentile $169,500 $14,125 $3,260 $81

Most common benefits for Drilling Operations Superintendent

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

Common company salaries for Drilling Operations Superintendent

Here are companies hiring for Drilling Operations Superintendent and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Drilling Operations Superintendent

1. What is a drilling superintendent?

A Drilling Operations Superintendent oversees all drilling and well operations at the rig site. They direct the rig-down and movement of drilling equipment while managing field operations to achieve specific drilling objectives within set time and budget constraints. The salary for this role typically ranges from $123,700 to $157,200, with a mid-point of $149,100.

2. How much does a drilling superintendent make?

A Drilling Operations Superintendent typically earns an annual salary ranging from $123,700 to $157,200, with a median salary of $149,100. This compensation reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, making it a lucrative position in the drilling industry.

3. What are the ranks in drilling?

Most drilling rig crews have six positions: Rig Manager (Tool Push), Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, Floorhand, and Leasehand. The Rig Manager, earning between $123,700 and $157,200, is the senior supervisor on site, responsible for the rig crews, equipment, and overall operation. Other positions have varying salaries, contributing to the rig's efficiency and safety.

4. How much does a drilling company man make?

A Drilling Operations Superintendent typically earns between $123,700 and $157,200 annually, with a median salary of around $149,100. This is significantly higher than the average salaries for oilfield company man jobs in cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, which are around $92,000.

5. What is the role of a rig superintendent?

The Rig Superintendent (RS) - Onshore oversees daily operations of the drilling department, coordinating with key department heads to meet client objectives while adhering to company policies. This role typically offers a salary range from $123,700 to $157,200, with a midpoint of $149,100, reflecting the importance and expertise required in this position.

6. How much do ops managers make in the US?

In the US, Drilling Operations Superintendents earn a minimum salary of $123,700, with a median salary of $149,100 and a maximum salary of $157,200. This reflects a competitive compensation range compared to other operations management roles.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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