upper level job

How much does a Rig Operator I make in Dailey, WV?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Operator I in Dailey, WV is $44,474 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Rig Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,783
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,493 to $49,871
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,957

Key Factors That Influence Rig Operator I Salaries

A Rig Operator 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Rig Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Rig Operator 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:

  • Rig Operator I (0-1 years): $44,474
  • Rig Operator II (1-3 years): $49,593
  • Rig Operator III (3-5 years): $61,608
  • Rig Operator Team Lead (5+ years): $71,879
  • Rig Operator Supervisor (5+ years): $82,764
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Rig Operator I0-1 years$44,474
Rig Operator II1-3 years$49,593
Rig Operator III3-5 years$61,608
Rig Operator Team Lead5+ years$71,879
Rig Operator Supervisor5+ years$82,764

Top Paying Cities for Rig Operator I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $63,768
  • San Francisco: $63,069
  • Oakland: $61,740

Rig Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Rig Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,821. While startup companies pay approximate $43,886.

Rig Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $43,886
Growth Stage 51~500 $46,401
Established 501~5000 $50,061
Enterprise 5000+ $51,821

Rig Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Rig Operator 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 August 01, 2026
$39,493
Average $44,474/year
$49,871
$3,291
Average $3,706/month
$4,156
$759
Average $855/week
$959
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,871 $4,156 $959 $24
Average $44,474 $3,706 $855 $21
25th Percentile $39,493 $3,291 $759 $19

Rig Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Rig Operator 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.

Rig Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Drilling Operations Supervisor $115,492 160%
Derrickman $65,918 48%
Rig Operator II $49,593 12%

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Cost of Living In Dailey, WV

Cost of Living in Dailey, WV is
-1.3% Lower
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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