As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineer III in the United States is $169,852 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Drilling Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drilling Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Engineer I | 0-2 years | $116,502 |
| Drilling Engineer II | 2-4 years | $137,070 |
| Drilling Engineer III | 4-7 years | $169,852 |
| Drilling Engineer IV | 7+ years | $189,116 |
| Drilling Engineer V | 7-10 years | $225,877 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.74% |
| FOCUS | 2.91% |
| Safety Management | 2.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Maintenance
|
$197,028 |
16%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$190,234 |
12%
|
|
Insight
|
$181,742 |
7%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$181,742 |
7%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$180,043 |
6%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$180,043 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Engineer IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $150,445 and $160,715).
Drilling Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.5% |
| High School | 12.5% |
| Associates | 18.8% |
| Bachelors | 62.5% |
| Masters | 18.8% |
| Doctorate | 6.3% |
Understanding how a Drilling Engineer 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 June 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drilling Engineer 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Engineer IV | $189,116 | 11% |
| Reservoir Engineer IV | $230,183 | 36% |
| Mine Engineer IV | $129,177 | -24% |
Salaries for a Drilling Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,817 in 2023 to around $119,769 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $131,817 |
| 2024 | $125,254 |
| 2025 | $119,769 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Drilling Engineer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Engineer III is $214,234.
The highest pay for Drilling Engineer III is $194,478.
The lowest pay for Drilling Engineer III is $135,580.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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