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:
Drilling Operations Superintendent Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Salaries for a Drilling Operations Superintendent can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $155,718 in 2023 to around $150,117 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Operations Superintendent salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $155,718 |
| 2024 | $153,886 |
| 2025 | $150,117 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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