Well Drilling and Drilling Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to manage the full lifecycle of well drilling operations, from site assessment to ongoing performance monitoring. Graduates gain hands-on proficiency in deploying and maintaining drilling systems, ensuring safe and efficient extraction of water, natural gas, and oil for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
- Drilling Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Learn to safely operate, service, and troubleshoot heavy-duty drilling rigs and ancillary machinery used in both onshore and remote well sites.
- Well Site Assessment and Location Planning: Develop skills in evaluating geological formations and environmental conditions to determine optimal drilling locations for water, gas, and oil wells.
- Well Construction and Development Techniques: Master the procedures involved in casing installation, cementing, and completing wells to ensure structural integrity and long-term functionality.
- Flow Testing and Performance Monitoring: Gain experience in conducting pressure tests, flow rate analysis, and real-time monitoring to assess well productivity and compliance with operational standards.
- Regulatory Compliance and Safety Protocols: Understand industry regulations, environmental safeguards, and safety best practices critical to responsible drilling operations across diverse settings.
Well Drilling and Drilling Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Well Drilling and Drilling Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Well Drilling and Drilling Technology degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas and Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 853,300 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas 47-5012 | $65,010 | $42,750 - $98,510 | 13,090 | $31.26 |
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas 47-5011 | $62,740 | $42,930 - $84,620 | 11,040 | $30.16 |
| Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas 47-5023 | $59,600 | $44,450 - $87,760 | 17,410 | $28.65 |
| Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters 47-5032 | $59,110 | $45,160 - $104,210 | 5,680 | $28.42 |
Well Drilling and Drilling Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,146 in Michigan to $96,330 in District of Columbia—a 75% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 853,300 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Well Drilling and Drilling Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Well Drilling and Drilling Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Well Drilling and Drilling Technology is found at Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Summit, Mississippi | Public | smcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Well Drilling and Drilling Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Well Drilling and Drilling Technology degree?
Salaries for Well Drilling and Drilling Technology graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas earn around $65,010. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $96,330 compared to $55,146 in Michigan. Approximately 853,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Well Drilling and Drilling Technology programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Well Drilling and Drilling Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Well Drilling and Drilling Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 8 in 2010 to a peak of 10 in 2020, before declining slightly to 7 in 2023-24. This represents a 13% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Well Drilling and Drilling Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas, and Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas. Related occupations employ approximately 853,300 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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