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What is a drilling superintendent and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreDrilling SuperintendentUS Average
Salary
8.1

Avg. Salary $118,940

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 1.42%

Black or African American 5.41%

Hispanic or Latino 23.91%

Unknown 3.87%

White 64.33%

Gender

female 1.35%

male 98.65%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Drilling superintendent career paths

Key steps to become a drilling superintendent

  1. Explore drilling superintendent education requirements

    Most common drilling superintendent degrees

    Bachelor's

    44.0 %

    High School Diploma

    32.1 %

    Associate

    10.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific drilling superintendent skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Site Supervisors18.32%
    Logistics10.18%
    Well Control7.71%
    BP6.95%
    Cost Control5.94%
  3. Complete relevant drilling superintendent training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New drilling superintendents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a drilling superintendent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real drilling superintendent resumes.
  4. Research drilling superintendent duties and responsibilities

    • Optimize the BHA and drill pipe rentals to achieve the same results as the upgraded pumps within a minimal investment.
    • Manage onsite operations safely and efficiently delivering well objectives, in full compliance with relevant standards and operator policies.
    • Perform rig inspections, set up first aid, CPR classes, fork lift training, H2S training & drug screenings.
    • Develop a proficiency in IADC data.
  5. Prepare your drilling superintendent resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your drilling superintendent resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a drilling superintendent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable drilling superintendent resume templates

    Build a professional drilling superintendent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your drilling superintendent resume.
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
    Drilling Superintendent Resume
  6. Apply for drilling superintendent jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a drilling superintendent job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first drilling superintendent job

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Average drilling superintendent salary

The average drilling superintendent salary in the United States is $118,940 per year or $57 per hour. Drilling superintendent salaries range between $81,000 and $173,000 per year.

Average drilling superintendent salary
$118,940 Yearly
$57.18 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do drilling superintendents rate their job?

4/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Drilling superintendent reviews

profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Work with people who respect safety and environment, also who they help each other and have common objectives, who compromise and dedication are essential.

Cons

Work don't respect safety and enviroment.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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