As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineer IV in the United States is $189,023 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.
However, a Drilling Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drilling Engineer IV'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 IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $136,962 |
| Drilling Engineer III | 4-7 years | $169,709 |
| Drilling Engineer IV | 7+ years | $189,023 |
| Drilling Engineer V | 7-10 years | $225,800 |
| Drilling Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $181,627 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 10.53% |
| Client Relationship | 5.26% |
| Decision Support | 5.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Client Relationship
|
$230,608 |
22%
|
|
Business Development
|
$230,608 |
22%
|
|
Analysis
|
$202,255 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $181,917 and $192,846).
Drilling Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 62.5% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 62.5% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 12.5% |
Understanding how a Drilling Engineer IV'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drilling Engineer IV, 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 V | $225,800 | 19% |
| Reservoir Engineer V | $264,606 | 40% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drilling Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drilling Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Drilling Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Engineer IV is $238,415.
The highest pay for Drilling Engineer IV is $199,597.
The lowest pay for Drilling Engineer IV is $155,044.
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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 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.)
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