As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rig Operator Team Lead in the United States is $81,716 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Rig Operator Team Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Rig Operator Team Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,470 | $7,789 | $1,798 | $45 |
| Average | $81,716 | $6,810 | $1,571 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,123 | $6,010 | $1,387 | $35 |
Sligan Plastics - Ottawa, OH
UniFirst - Brooklyn Heights, OH
Lawton Standard - Minster, OH
VCA Adirondack Animal Hospital - QUEENSBURY, NY
A Rig Operator Team Lead'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 Team Lead'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 Team Lead | 0-3 years | $81,716 |
| Rig Operator Supervisor | 3-5 years | $94,082 |
| Rig Operator Manager | 5+ years | $119,316 |
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 Team Leads. 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:
Understanding how a Rig Operator Team Lead'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 | $93,470 | $7,789 | $1,798 | $45 |
| Average | $81,716 | $6,810 | $1,571 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,123 | $6,010 | $1,387 | $35 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Rig Operator Team Lead, 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 Operations Manager | $185,971 | 128% |
| Rig Operator Supervisor | $94,082 | 15% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Rig Operator Team Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Rig Operator Team Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Rig Operator Team Lead'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 Rig Operator Team Lead earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Rig Operator Team Lead is $103,068.
The highest pay for Rig Operator Team Lead is $104,171.
The lowest pay for Rig Operator Team Lead is $63,389.
Operates rig equipment and tools in compliance with safety regulations and functional specifications and leads a crew of rig operators. 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 manager. Supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
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.
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