As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Drill Operator II in the United States is $56,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Drill Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drill Operator II'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 Drill Operator II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drill Operator I | 0-1 years | $50,574 |
| Drill Operator II | 1-3 years | $56,352 |
| Drill Operator III | 3-5 years | $70,029 |
| Drilling Operations Team Lead | 5+ years | $81,710 |
| Drilling Rig Supervisor | 5+ years | $94,065 |
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 Drill Operator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communicates Effectively | 4.52% |
| First Aid | 4.09% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Installation
|
$62,040 |
10%
|
|
Leadership
|
$60,912 |
8%
|
|
Hydraulics
|
$60,348 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$58,092 |
3%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$56,964 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Drill Operator II'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 May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Drill Operator II, 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 Foreman | $130,900 | 132% |
| Derrickhand | $74,900 | 33% |
| Drill Operator III | $70,100 | 24% |
Salaries for a Drill Operator II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,182 in 2023 to around $91,427 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Drill Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $92,182 |
| 2024 | $92,192 |
| 2025 | $91,427 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drill Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A drill rig operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling and service rigs. They oversee the activities of workers on the rig, facilitate equipment movement, and ensure safety on site. In the energy industry, drilling rigs and service rigs serve distinct functions. The salary for this role ranges from $47,300 to $68,800, with a mid-point of $56,600.
The highest salary for a Drill Operator ranges from $47,300 to $68,800, with a median salary of $56,600. While this is a respectable income, it is significantly lower than the highest-paying careers, such as Emergency Medicine Physicians, who earn around $115 per hour.
The Drill Operator has a salary range of $47,300 to $68,800, with a mid-salary of $56,600. While other machine operators like CMM Programmers can earn up to $76,000, Drill Operators still offer competitive pay within their range, making them a solid choice in the machine operation field.
Becoming a machine operator can be challenging, often requiring a three to four-year apprenticeship. This typically includes 300 to 600 hours of classroom training and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. In terms of salary, drill operators can expect to earn between $47,300 and $68,800, with a median salary of $56,600.
A company man on a drilling rig typically earns between $47,300 and $68,800 annually, with a mid-salary of around $56,600. While some cities may offer higher salaries, the average range for this role reflects the essential responsibilities and expertise required in the oilfield industry.
Military drill operators can expect a salary range between $47,300 and $68,800 annually, with a median salary of around $56,600. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, which may vary based on experience and location.
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.)
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