What are the main factors that influence a Rig Operator III'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 $53,121, a Rig Operator II (1-3 years)earns $59,209, a Rig Operator III (3-5 years)earns $73,569, a Rig Operator Team Lead (5+ years)earns $85,849, a Rig Operator Supervisor (5+ years)earns $98,833,

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

Rig Operator III salary varies significantly by city. The top 3 highest paying cities in California for Rig Operator III roles are San Jose $88,331, San Francisco $87,463, Oakland $85,523.

How much do different types of Rig Operator roles make?

Salaries for Rig Operator level roles vary by specialization: Rig Operator Manager: $119,322; Oil Rig Operator: $102,321; Rig Operator Supervisor: $94,082; Rig Operator Team Lead: $81,722; Drill Rig Operator: $71,535.

Rig Operator III Salary in Tehachapi, CA (March 01, 2026)

Rig Operator III Salary in Tehachapi, CA

How much does a Rig Operator III make in Tehachapi, CA?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Operator III in Tehachapi, CA is $73,569 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,933
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,660 to $78,470
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,729

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Rig Operator I	0-1 years	$53,121
Rig Operator II	1-3 years	$59,209
Rig Operator III	3-5 years	$73,569
Rig Operator Team Lead	5+ years	$85,849
Rig Operator Supervisor	5+ years	$98,833

Job Role

Years of Experience

Average Salary

Rig Operator I

0-1 years

$53,121

Rig Operator II

1-3 years

$59,209

Rig Operator III

3-5 years

$73,569

Rig Operator Team Lead

5+ years

$85,849

Rig Operator Supervisor

5+ years

$98,833

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

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.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

$62,660

Average $73,569/year

$78,470

$5,222

Average $6,131/month

$6,539

$1,205

Average $1,415/week

$1,509

$30

Average $35/hour

$38

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$78,470	$6,539	$1,509	$38
Average	$73,569	$6,131	$1,415	$35
25th Percentile	$62,660	$5,222	$1,205	$30

Rig Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Rig Operator III, 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 III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role	Estimate Salary	Projected Raise
Drilling Operations Supervisor	$137,665	87%
Rig Operator Team Lead	$85,849	17%

Find Your Next Rig Operator III Job

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

Cost of Living In Tehachapi, CA

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Rig Operator III Salary in Tehachapi, CA

How much does a Rig Operator III make in Tehachapi, CA?

Key Factors That Influence Rig Operator III Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Rig Operator Salaries?

Top Paying Cities for Rig Operator IIIs