As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineer I in Cisco, TX is $104,072 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
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, skills, 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 | $104,072 |
| Drilling Engineer II | 2-4 years | $122,452 |
| Drilling Engineer III | 4-7 years | $151,741 |
| Drilling Engineer IV | 7+ years | $168,931 |
| Drilling Engineer V | 7-10 years | $201,758 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.7% |
| FOCUS | 2.61% |
| Safety Management | 2.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$136,334 |
31%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$125,927 |
21%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$122,805 |
18%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$120,723 |
16%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$116,560 |
12%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$115,520 |
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 $121,111. While startup companies pay approximate $102,516.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $102,516 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,392 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $116,991 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $121,111 |
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 | $135,293 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Finance & Insurance | $130,090 | $63.0 | 25% |
| Information Technology | $124,886 | $60.0 | 20% |
| Mining | $119,682 | $58.0 | 15% |
| Professional Services | $109,275 | $53.0 | 5% |
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 | $122,452 | 18% |
| Reservoir Engineer II | $145,689 | 40% |
| Mine Engineer II | $84,485 | -19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drilling Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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