As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Rig Assistant in the United States is $172,919 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Drilling Rig Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drilling Rig Assistant'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Rig Assistant'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Drilling ... Level Drilling Rig Assistant | $117,953 |
| Drilling ... Level Drilling Rig Assistant | $138,762 |
| Drilling ... Level Drilling Rig Assistant | $171,942 |
| Drilling ... Level Drilling Rig Assistant | $191,490 |
| Drilling ... Level Drilling Rig Assistant | $228,737 |
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 Drilling Rig Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.74% |
| FOCUS | 2.91% |
| Safety Management | 2.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Maintenance
|
$200,586 |
16%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$193,669 |
12%
|
|
Insight
|
$185,023 |
7%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$185,023 |
7%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$183,294 |
6%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$183,294 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Rig Assistants enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Drilling Rig Assistant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $150,445 and $160,715).
Drilling Rig Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.5% |
| High School | 12.5% |
| Associates | 18.8% |
| Bachelors | 62.5% |
| Masters | 18.8% |
| Doctorate | 6.3% |
Understanding how a Drilling Rig Assistant'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Drilling Rig Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,518 in 2023 to around $121,314 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drilling Rig Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $133,518 |
| 2024 | $126,869 |
| 2025 | $121,314 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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