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Rig Operations Technician III Salary in the United States

How much does a Rig Operations Technician III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Operations Technician III in the United States is $70,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a Rig Operations Technician III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,069
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,690 to $74,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,221

Key Factors That Influence Rig Operations Technician III Salaries

A Rig Operations Technician III'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 Operations Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Rig Operations Technician III'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:

  • Drill Operator I (0-1 years): $50,555
  • Drill Operator II (1-3 years): $56,378
  • Rig Operations Technician III (3-5 years): $70,035
  • Drilling Operations Team Lead (5+ years): $81,706
  • Drilling Rig Supervisor (5+ years): $94,084
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Drill Operator I0-1 years$50,555
Drill Operator II1-3 years$56,378
Rig Operations Technician III3-5 years$70,035
Drilling Operations Team Lead5+ years$81,706
Drilling Rig Supervisor5+ years$94,084

How Do Rig Operations Technician III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Rig Operations Technician IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $77,590.
  • California: $77,290.
  • Massachusetts: $76,290.

Top Paying Cities for Rig Operations Technician IIIs

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: $88,390
  • San Francisco: $87,390
  • Oakland: $85,590

Rig Operations Technician III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Rig Operations Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,435. While startup companies pay approximate $68,974.

Rig Operations Technician III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,974
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,919
Established 501~5000 $78,670
Enterprise 5000+ $81,435

Rig Operations Technician III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Rig Operations Technician III'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
$59,690
Average $70,090/year
$74,790
$4,974
Average $5,841/month
$6,233
$1,148
Average $1,348/week
$1,438
$29
Average $34/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,790 $6,233 $1,438 $36
Average $70,090 $5,841 $1,348 $34
25th Percentile $59,690 $4,974 $1,148 $29

Rig Operations Technician III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Rig Operations Technician III, 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 Operations Technician III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Drilling Foreman $131,400 87%
Drilling Operations Team Lead $81,800 17%

Most common benefits for Rig Operations Technician III

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

Common company salaries for Rig Operations Technician III

Here are companies hiring for Rig Operations Technician III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Rig Operations Technician III

1. Can technicians make 100k?

Rig Operations Technicians can earn between $54,790 and $76,290 annually, with a mid-salary of $64,690. While some experienced technicians may reach higher earnings, making $100k is not typical in this field. Pay is largely determined by experience and skill level.

2. Which technician pays the most?

The Rig Operations Technician offers a competitive salary, with a minimum of $54,790, a mid-range of $64,690, and a maximum of $76,290. While some engineering technician roles may pay more, the Rig Operations Technician provides a solid earning potential within the industry.

3. How much does a Level 3 manufacturing technician make?

The estimated total pay for a Level 3 Rig Operations Technician ranges from $54,790 to $76,290 per year, with a median salary of approximately $64,690. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and represent the midpoint of the salary spectrum for this role.

4. Why do oil rig workers get paid so much?

Oil rig workers earn competitive salaries, with Rig Operations Technicians making between $54,790 and $76,290 annually. The higher pay reflects the demanding and hazardous nature of offshore work, which often requires long hours and specialized skills. This compensation helps attract and retain skilled professionals in a challenging environment.

5. What is the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest-paid job on an oil rig is typically the Chief Operating Officer (COO), with an average salary of $832,181. Other high-paying roles include the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at $439,441 and Drilling Manager at $143,953. For a Rig Operations Technician, salaries range from $54,790 to $76,290, with a mid-salary of $64,690.

6. What is the highest paid technician?

The highest paid technician in Rig Operations is the one earning a maximum salary of $76,290. This role typically offers a minimum salary of $54,790 and a mid-range salary of $64,690, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the position.

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.)

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