upper level job

How much does a Rig Hand I make in New Mexico?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Hand I in New Mexico is $46,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Rig Hand I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,681
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,580 to $52,510
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,800

Key Factors That Influence Rig Hand I Salaries

A Rig Hand I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Rig Hand Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Rig Hand I'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:

  • Rig Hand I (0-1 years): $46,824
  • Drill Operator II (1-3 years): $52,217
  • Drill Operator III (3-5 years): $64,866
  • Drilling Operations Team Lead (5+ years): $75,676
  • Drilling Rig Supervisor (5+ years): $87,141
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Rig Hand I0-1 years$46,824
Drill Operator II1-3 years$52,217
Drill Operator III3-5 years$64,866
Drilling Operations Team Lead5+ years$75,676
Drilling Rig Supervisor5+ years$87,141

Top Paying Cities for Rig Hand Is

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:

  • Algodones: $47,330
  • Belen: $47,060
  • Bernalillo: $47,410

Rig Hand I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Rig Hand I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,410. While startup companies pay approximate $46,085.

Rig Hand I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,085
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,720
Established 501~5000 $52,563
Enterprise 5000+ $54,410

Rig Hand I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Rig Hand I'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
$41,580
Average $46,830/year
$52,510
$3,465
Average $3,903/month
$4,376
$800
Average $901/week
$1,010
$20
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,510 $4,376 $1,010 $25
Average $46,830 $3,903 $901 $23
25th Percentile $41,580 $3,465 $800 $20

Rig Hand I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Rig Hand I, 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.

Rig Hand I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Drilling Foreman $121,700 160%
Derrickhand $72,400 55%
Drill Operator II $52,300 12%

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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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