How Much Does a Drilling Rig Assistant make?

Drilling Rig Assistant made a median salary around $150,560 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $165,346 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $132,492. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $132,492 10% $116,041 90% $178,807 75% $165,346 $150,560 50%(Median)
Check out Drilling Rig Assistant jobs in Idaho

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American Pump & Drilling - Idaho Falls, ID

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Best-Paying Cities for Drilling Rig Assistant

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Drilling Rig Assistant profession are Lewiston , Cottonwood , Fenn , Grangeville , Post Falls .
Lewiston, ID $167,343
Cottonwood, ID $167,343
Fenn, ID $166,536
Grangeville, ID $166,536
Post Falls, ID $163,631

Best-Paying States for Drilling Rig Assistant

The states and districts that pay Drilling Rig Assistant the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $179,607) , California (around $177,993) , New Jersey (around $176,864) , Alaska (around $175,734) , and Massachusetts (around $175,573) .
District of Columbia $179,607
California $177,993
New Jersey $176,864
Alaska $175,734
Massachusetts $175,573

What is the Career Path of Drilling Rig Assistant?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Drilling Rig Assistant, the first career path typically starts with a Drilling Engineer IV position , and then progresses to Drilling Engineer V.

The second career path typically starts with a Reservoir Engineer IV position , and then progresses to Reservoir Engineer V.

Additionally, the third career path typically progresses to Mine Engineer IV.

Besides, Drilling Rig Assistant can also turn to other related jobs, including Drilling Rig Manager , Drilling Rig Supervisor , Drilling Assistant and Rig Operator Supervisor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Drilling Rig Assistant

Q: What is the salary range of Drilling Rig Assistant in Idaho?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Drilling Rig Assistant in Idaho earned an average annual salary of $132,492 , while the highest-paid made $165,346.
Q: What is the salary for a Drilling Rig Assistant in California?
A: Drilling Rig Assistant employed in California earned an average salary of $177,993 in 2025.

Average Drilling Rig Assistant Pay vs. Other Jobs

Drilling Rig Assistant earned an average salary of $150,560 in 2025. Other jobs related to Drilling Rig Assistant earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Drilling Rig Manager made $114,590 , Drilling Rig Supervisor made $90,700 , Drilling Assistant and Rig Operator Supervisor made $68,422 and $90,618 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Drilling Rig Assistant

Drilling Rig Manager - Average Salary $114,590
The Drilling Rig Manager implements guidelines to ensure operational procedures are aligned with organizational goals and safety standards. Manages operation of the rig, crew, and equipment of a drilling site to maximize site productivity. Being a Drilling Rig Manager monitors rig operations and drilling parameters to ensure optimal performance and makes functional adjustments as necessary. Plans improvement and change initiatives and develops protocols for routine inspections and maintenance. In addition, Drilling Rig Manager provides proper guidance and direction to rig crew on specific tasks to be performed. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a director. The Drilling Rig Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Drilling Rig Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Drilling Rig Supervisor - Average Salary $90,700
The Drilling Rig Supervisor ensures crew are on-time and prepared and maintains productivity standards for all rig functions. Supervises operation of the rig, crew, and equipment of a rig operation to maximize site productivity. Being a Drilling Rig Supervisor maintains a safe working environment and continuously monitors compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Oversees operational checks, servicing, and maintenance to prevent wear and ensure continuous operation. In addition, Drilling Rig Supervisor provides proper guidance and direction to rig crew on specific tasks to be performed. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a manager. The Drilling Rig Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Working as a Drilling Rig Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Drilling Assistant - Average Salary $68,422
There is currently no job description for Drilling Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Drilling Assistant.
Rig Operator Supervisor - Average Salary $90,618
Rig Operator Supervisor supervises operation of the rig, crew, and equipment of a rig operation to maximize site productivity. Ensures crew are on-time and prepared and maintains productivity standards for all rig functions. Being a Rig Operator Supervisor oversees operational checks, servicing, and maintenance to prevent wear and ensure continuous operation. Maintains a safe working environment and continuously monitors compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Additionally, Rig Operator Supervisor provides proper guidance and direction to rig crew on specific tasks to be performed. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a manager. The Rig Operator Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Rig Operator Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Rig Operations Manager - Average Salary $114,510
The Rig Operations Manager implements guidelines to ensure operational procedures are aligned with organizational goals and safety standards. Manages operation of the rig, crew, and equipment of a drilling site to maximize site productivity. Being a Rig Operations Manager monitors rig operations and drilling parameters to ensure optimal performance and makes functional adjustments as necessary. Plans improvement and change initiatives and develops protocols for routine inspections and maintenance. In addition, Rig Operations Manager provides proper guidance and direction to rig crew on specific tasks to be performed. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a director. The Rig Operations Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Rig Operations Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.