As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineer I in the United States is $116,526 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Drilling Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drilling Engineer 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Engineer I | 0-2 years | $116,526 |
| Drilling Engineer II | 2-4 years | $137,106 |
| Drilling Engineer III | 4-7 years | $169,900 |
| Drilling Engineer IV | 7+ years | $189,147 |
| Drilling Engineer V | 7-10 years | $225,903 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Drilling Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.7% |
| FOCUS | 2.61% |
| Safety Management | 2.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$152,649 |
31%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$140,996 |
21%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$137,501 |
18%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$135,170 |
16%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$130,509 |
12%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$129,344 |
11%
|
Drilling Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,604. While startup companies pay approximate $114,784.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $114,784 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $121,363 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $130,992 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $135,604 |
For Drilling Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 52% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Finance & Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Drilling Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Drilling Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $151,484 | $73.0 | 30% |
| Finance & Insurance | $145,658 | $70.0 | 25% |
| Information Technology | $139,831 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Mining | $134,005 | $64.0 | 15% |
| Professional Services | $122,352 | $59.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Engineer Is 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 Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $104,752 and $109,625).
Drilling Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.9% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 35.3% |
| Bachelors | 60.8% |
| Masters | 35.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Drilling Engineer 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drilling Engineer 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Engineer II | $137,106 | 18% |
| Reservoir Engineer II | $163,124 | 40% |
| Mine Engineer II | $94,595 | -19% |
Salaries for a Drilling Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,889 in 2023 to around $87,929 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $93,889 |
| 2024 | $90,592 |
| 2025 | $87,929 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Drilling Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Drilling Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Engineer I is $146,974.
The highest pay for Drilling Engineer I is $132,625.
The lowest pay for Drilling Engineer I is $93,096.
Designs, plans, and oversees drilling operations of oil and gas wells. Performs design evaluations and makes recommendations to improve safety, lower cost, and increase efficiency. Analyzes data to identify trends, assess performance, and make adjustments to improve future drilling operations. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Drilling Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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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