Drilling Operator Salaries in the United States
How Much Does a Drilling Operator Make?
Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Drilling Operator in the United States is $48,089.
While Salary.com is seeing that Drilling Operator salary in the US can go up to $59,353
or down to $37,338, but most earn between $42,461 and $53,985.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Drilling Operator
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Similar Job Salaries to Drilling Operator by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
Duke's
Directional Drilling Operator
|
$57,734/yr
|
RANGE: $48,522 - $66,946
|
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My Plumber Plus
Directional Drilling Operator
|
$56,645/yr
|
RANGE: $47,312 - $65,978
|
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Heimes Corp
Directional Drilling Operator/Laborer
|
$61,488/yr
|
RANGE: $53,199 - $69,777
|
|
Florida Drilling
Geotechnical Drilling Operator Lead
|
$63,406/yr
|
RANGE: $55,911 - $70,901
|
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Precizion Partners
Concrete Sawing/Drilling Operator
|
$45,672/yr
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RANGE: $39,167 - $52,177
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Tetra Tech Careers
Laborer - Operator - Drilling Assistant
|
$56,586/yr
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RANGE: $47,813 - $65,360
|
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NEA Construction, LLC
Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator
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$56,445/yr
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RANGE: $46,439 - $66,451
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Agri Industries, Inc.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator
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$52,103/yr
|
RANGE: $44,896 - $59,310
|
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ProSource Utility Contractors
Directional Drilling Rig Operator
|
$66,153/yr
|
RANGE: $53,838 - $78,468
|
What Does a Drilling Operator Do?
Now, we discuss the most critical of all, the skill set, and knowledge required for a Drilling operator.
Updated December 20, 2021
In addition to all this, drilling operators maintain records of footage drilled, location, and nature of strata penetrated, materials, and tools used as well as the time required for all of them.
Updated December 15, 2021
Unlike any other profession, petroleum jobs have taken the hardest hit with drilling operators being no exception.
Updated December 14, 2021
Since a rig operates for 24 hours, seven days a week the drilling operators work in eight to twelve-hour shifts.
Updated November 27, 2021
Besides their typical day, drill operators also prepare and position the derricks at drilling sites specified on maps.
Updated November 24, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Drilling Operator Salaries
What is the average of a Drilling Operator in the United States?
The Drilling Operator salary range is from $42,461 to $53,985, and the average Drilling Operator salary is $48,089/year in the United States.
The Drilling Operator's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Drilling Operator salary in the United States?
The Drilling Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,351
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Drilling Operator's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Drilling Operator.
What is the growth rate of the Drilling Operator's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming a Drilling Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Drilling Operator.
Recent Salary Report
Below are the most recent Drilling Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.
$59,585
Yearly
A Drilling Operator in Lakewood, WA reported making $59,585 per year
Lakewood, WA
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$28
Hourly
A Drilling Operator in Manhattan, KS reported making $28 per hour
Manhattan, KS
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$49,429
Yearly
A Drilling Operator in Topeka, KS reported making $49,429 per year
Topeka, KS
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$51,612
Yearly
A Drilling Operator in South Bend, IN reported making $51,612 per year
South Bend, IN
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$23
Hourly
A Drilling Operator in Harrisburg, PA reported making $23 per hour
Harrisburg, PA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$4,499
Monthly
A Drilling Operator in Canton, OH reported making $4,499 per month
Canton, OH
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
