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Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary in the United States

How much does a Drilling Operations Superintendent make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Operations Superintendent in the United States is $186,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.

However, a Drilling Operations Superintendent's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $210,463
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,400 to $198,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,104
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View as table View as graph 25% $169,400 10% $154,104 90% $210,463 75% $198,900 $186,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $198,900 $16,575 $3,825 $96
Average $186,200 $15,517 $3,581 $90
25th Percentile $169,400 $14,117 $3,258 $81
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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 your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Drilling Operations Superintendent Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Operations Superintendent'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:

  • Drilling Foreman (0-3 years): $131,238
  • Drilling Operations Superintendent (3-5 years): $186,151
  • Drilling and Production Director (5+ years): $248,613
  • Senior Vice President of Drilling Operations (5+ years): $389,194
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Drilling Foreman0-3 years$131,238
Drilling Operations Superintendent3-5 years$186,151
Drilling and Production Director5+ years$248,613
Senior Vice President of Drilling Operations5+ years$389,194
$131,238 Drilling ...
$186,151 Drilling ...
$248,613 Drilling ...
$389,194 Senior Vi...
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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: $234,800
  • San Francisco: $232,300
  • Oakland: $227,400

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 $216,685. While startup companies pay approximate $183,416.

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$183,416
Growth Stage51~500$193,930
Established501~5000$209,315
Enterprise5000+$216,685

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%
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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 July 01, 2026

Drilling Operations Superintendent Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Drilling Operations Superintendent, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Drilling and Production Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $248,700 - a projected growth of 34% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Drilling Operations Superintendent

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Drilling Operations Superintendent Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$155,718
2024
$153,886
2025
$150,117
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $155,718
2024 $153,886
2025 $150,117
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Drilling Operations Superintendent

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Drilling Operations Superintendent

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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 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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