What are the main factors that influence a Rig Operator I's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Rig Operator 's salary?

A Rig Operator 's salary grows with experience: a Rig Operator I (0-1 years)earns $46,464, a Rig Operator II (1-3 years)earns $51,802, a Rig Operator III (3-5 years)earns $64,358, a Rig Operator Team Lead (5+ years)earns $75,094, a Rig Operator Supervisor (5+ years)earns $86,459,

What are the highest paying cities for a Rig Operator I?

Rig Operator I salary varies significantly by city. The top 3 highest paying cities in West Virginia for Rig Operator I roles are San Jose $63,773, San Francisco $63,074, Oakland $61,745.

How much do different types of Rig Operator roles make?

Salaries for Rig Operator level roles vary by specialization: Rig Operator Manager: $119,302; Oil Rig Operator: $102,365; Rig Operator Supervisor: $94,083; Rig Operator Team Lead: $81,715; Drill Rig Operator: $71,551.

Rig Operator I Salary in Wheeling, WV (June 01, 2026)

Rig Operator I Salary in Wheeling, WV

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

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Operator I in Wheeling, WV is $46,464 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,223
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,253 to $52,095
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,510

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Rig Operator I	0-1 years	$46,464
Rig Operator II	1-3 years	$51,802
Rig Operator III	3-5 years	$64,358
Rig Operator Team Lead	5+ years	$75,094
Rig Operator Supervisor	5+ years	$86,459

Job Role

Years of Experience

Average Salary

Rig Operator I

0-1 years

$46,464

Rig Operator II

1-3 years

$51,802

Rig Operator III

3-5 years

$64,358

Rig Operator Team Lead

5+ years

$75,094

Rig Operator Supervisor

5+ years

$86,459

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 June 01, 2026

$41,253

Average $46,464/year

$52,095

$3,438

Average $3,872/month

$4,341

$793

Average $894/week

$1,002

$20

Average $22/hour

$25

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$52,095	$4,341	$1,002	$25
Average	$46,464	$3,872	$894	$22
25th Percentile	$41,253	$3,438	$793	$20

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	$120,560	159%
Derrickman	$68,851	48%
Rig Operator II	$51,802	11%

Find Your Next Rig Operator I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Rig Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

Cost of Living In Wheeling, WV

Cost of Living in Wheeling, WV is

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than the National Average

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Rig Operator I Salary in Wheeling, WV

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

Key Factors That Influence Rig Operator I Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Rig Operator Salaries?

Top Paying Cities for Rig Operator Is