As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineer V in the United States is $225,746 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $109.
However, a Drilling Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI-Powered HR
A Drilling Engineer V'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 V'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Drilling Engineer V | $223,481 |
| Intermediate Level Drilling Engineer V | $223,900 |
| Senior Level Drilling Engineer V | $224,320 |
| Specialist Level Drilling Engineer V | $224,907 |
| Expert Level Drilling Engineer V | $226,200 |
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 Vs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$259,608 |
15%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Engineer Vs 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $211,687 and $226,910).
Drilling Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.3% |
| High School | 5.3% |
| Associates | 47.4% |
| Bachelors | 47.4% |
| Masters | 47.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Drilling Engineer V'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drilling Engineer V, 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 Engineering Manager | $181,599 | -20% |
| Reservoir Engineer VI | $292,324 | 29% |
Salaries for a Drilling Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $182,321 in 2023 to around $160,374 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $182,321 |
| 2024 | $169,801 |
| 2025 | $160,374 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drilling Engineer V and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drilling Engineer V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Drilling Engineer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Engineer V is $284,733.
The highest pay for Drilling Engineer V is $237,377.
The lowest pay for Drilling Engineer V is $215,007.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ 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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
