As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Rig Operator III in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $70,034.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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Rig Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,751 | $6,229 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $70,034 | $5,836 | $1,347 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,659 | $4,972 | $1,147 | $29 |
Kyyba - Cleveland, OH
Omni Inclusive - Cleveland, OH
Spray Products Corporation - Medina, OH
Kelly - Cleveland, OH
A Rig Operator 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Rig Operator 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rig Operator I | 0-1 years | $50,559 |
| Rig Operator II | 1-3 years | $56,373 |
| Rig Operator III | 3-5 years | $70,034 |
| Rig Operator Team Lead | 5+ years | $81,710 |
| Rig Operator Supervisor | 5+ years | $94,084 |
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 Rig Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Rig Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,500. While startup companies pay approximate $68,987.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,987 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,941 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,728 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,500 |
Understanding how a Rig Operator 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,751 | $6,229 | $1,438 | $36 |
| Average | $70,034 | $5,836 | $1,347 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,659 | $4,972 | $1,147 | $29 |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Rig Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
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Operates rig equipment and tools in compliance with safety regulations and functional specifications. Assembles and prepares rig equipment for use and monitors and adjusts equipment as necessary. Responsible for pre-operational checks and post-operational servicing to prevent wear and ensure continuous operation. Maintains detailed records on activities, inspections, and maintenance in compliance with required regulatory standards. May require a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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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