Helmerich & Payne (H&P) is a top drilling company in US that began in 1920, when Walter “Walt” Helmerich II—a thrill-seeking aviator from Chicago, and William “Bill” Payne—a hard-working microbiologist from Shawnee, Oklahoma, met on a Star 29 cable rig in South Bend, Texas. From this unlikely pairing was born a partnership, a deep friendship and the oil and gas drilling company that still bears their names.
Helmerich & Payne, Inc Rig Locator Map
H&P 2026 YTD Summary
1,059 wells drilled year-to-date across H&P’s 2026 activity, applying the same geographic and operator-level breakdown to highlight where drilling momentum is concentrated. Activity is heavily centered in Texas (577 wells) and New Mexico (285 wells), reinforcing the Permian Basin as the dominant core of H&P’s drilling footprint. Secondary contributions come from Colorado (47 wells), North Dakota (39 wells), and Oklahoma (29 wells), with minimal activity outside these regions.
At the account level, drilling is led by Exxon (XTO) with 205 wells, followed by EOG Resources (98), OXY USA (89), Permian Resources (89), and Devon Energy (79)—again demonstrating that a concentrated group of large, capital-efficient operators are driving the majority of H&P’s rig activity.
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (H&P) is a global provider of drilling services and technologies for the oil and gas industry. The company is primarily known for its expertise in drilling rigs and related technologies. Here are some key details about Helmerich & Payne:
- Drilling Services: Helmerich & Payne specializes in providing contract drilling services to oil and gas exploration and production companies. The company operates a fleet of drilling rigs designed for various drilling applications, including vertical and horizontal drilling.
- FlexRig Technology: H&P is well-known for its proprietary drilling rig technology called FlexRig. FlexRig systems are designed to provide enhanced drilling efficiency and flexibility, particularly in unconventional resource plays. The technology allows for the drilling of both vertical and horizontal wells in challenging geological formations.
- Rig Fleet: The company’s fleet consists of technologically advanced drilling rigs, and it has a reputation for maintaining one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry. The rigs are equipped with advanced automation and control systems to optimize drilling operations.
- Geographic Presence: Helmerich & Payne operates globally, providing drilling services in various oil and gas basins. Its operations are not limited to a specific region, and the company has a presence in both domestic and international markets.
- Technological Innovation: The company places a strong emphasis on technological innovation to improve drilling efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The development and deployment of advanced drilling technologies have been key aspects of H&P’s strategy.
- Customer Relationships: Helmerich & Payne works closely with major oil and gas companies as well as independent operators. The company’s reputation for providing reliable and technologically advanced drilling services has contributed to its success in maintaining strong customer relationships.
- Corporate Headquarters: The corporate headquarters of Helmerich & Payne is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, it’s advisable to check the latest information from Helmerich & Payne through their official website or other reliable sources for the most recent developments, financial reports, and operational updates. The oil and gas industry can experience changes, and staying updated with the latest information is essential for an accurate understanding of the company’s current status.
The Drilling Engineering List is a compiled directory of Drilling Engineers that work in the US, one of the most prolific oil and gas-producing regions in the world. The list enables companies to execute targeted sales/marketing campaigns efforts to promote their products and services to relevant oil and gas professionals.
H&P Rigs Details
H&P 384
In 2026, the H&P 384 drilling rig operated exclusively in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 12 wells for Devon Energy Corporation. All activity occurred in DeWitt County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 9 days, indicating a highly efficient, repeatable pad-based drilling program.
H&P 450
In 2026, the H&P 450 drilling rig operated exclusively in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 12 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. All activity occurred in Live Oak County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 9 days, reflecting a highly efficient, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 248
In 2026, the H&P 248 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 11 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. All activity occurred in Karnes County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, supporting a consistent, pad-driven development program.
H&P 264
In 2026, the H&P 264 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 11 wells for Ovintiv USA. All activity occurred in Martin County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, indicating a steady, repeatable pad development strategy.
H&P 604
In 2026, the H&P 604 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 11 wells for Ovintiv USA and Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Upton and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, reflecting a multi-operator, pad-based development program.
H&P 252
In 2026, the H&P 252 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for OXY USA Inc. Activity was concentrated in Reeves and Loving counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady, pad-based development approach.
H&P 263
In 2026, the H&P 263 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 10 wells for EOG Resources, Inc. Activity was concentrated across La Salle and Atascosa counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, supporting a consistent, pad-based development program.
H&P 372
In 2026, the H&P 372 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 10 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. Activity occurred across DeWitt and Live Oak counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a steady, pad-driven drilling program.
H&P 379
In 2026, the H&P 379 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Ovintiv USA. Activity was distributed across Howard, Upton, and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, indicating a highly repeatable, multi-pad development strategy.
H&P 395
In 2026, the H&P 395 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Ovintiv USA and OXY USA Inc. Activity spanned Midland, Howard, and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a multi-operator, pad-based development program.
H&P 439
In 2026, the H&P 439 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Martin and Midland counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a steady, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 451
In 2026, the H&P 451 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for OXY USA Inc. All activity occurred in Loving County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a steady, pad-based development program.
H&P 467
In 2026, the H&P 467 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Midland and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a consistent, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 642
In 2026, the H&P 642 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Admiral Permian Resources (APR). Activity occurred across Loving and Reeves counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, indicating a steady, pad-based development approach.
H&P 650
In 2026, the H&P 650 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity spanned Midland, Martin, and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a multi-pad drilling program.
H&P 651
In 2026, the H&P 651 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 10 wells for Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd. All activity occurred in Andrews County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, reflecting an efficient, repeatable pad development program.
H&P 249
In 2026, the H&P 249 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for EOG Resources, Inc. Activity was concentrated across Pecos and Loving counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a steady development program.
H&P 267
In 2026, the H&P 267 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for OXY USA Inc. and Flywheel Energy (Baytex). All activity occurred in Loving County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 10 days, reflecting a multi-operator, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 268
In 2026, the H&P 268 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for APA Corporation. Activity was distributed across Borden, Martin, Howard, and Dawson counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 13 days, indicating a slightly slower, multi-location development program.
H&P 313
In 2026, the H&P 313 drilling rig operated across the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for Permian Resources Corporation. Activity spanned Reeves and Reagan counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady, pad-based drilling approach.
H&P 475
In 2026, the H&P 475 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling a total of 9 wells for Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC. Activity was distributed across Washington, Dimmit, and Robertson counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, reflecting a multi-area development program.
H&P 505
In 2026, the H&P 505 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 9 wells for Flywheel Energy (Baytex). Activity was distributed across Lavaca, Karnes, and Gonzales counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, reflecting a multi-area development program.
H&P 551
In 2026, the H&P 551 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for Ovintiv USA. Activity was concentrated across Upton and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a steady, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 618
In 2026, the H&P 618 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Upton and Midland counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a consistent, pad-based development program.
H&P 627
In 2026, the H&P 627 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 9 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. Activity spanned DeWitt and Karnes counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady development program.
H&P 643
In 2026, the H&P 643 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 9 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Midland and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a consistent, pad-based drilling approach.
H&P 254
In 2026, the H&P 254 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling a total of 8 wells for EOG Resources, Inc. All activity occurred in Webb County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 14 days, indicating a slower, more complex drilling program.
H&P 260
In 2026, the H&P 260 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling a total of 8 wells for Caturus (Kimmeridge Energy). All activity occurred in McMullen County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady development program.
H&P 266
In 2026, the H&P 266 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for OXY USA Inc. All activity occurred in Loving County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, indicating a slower, pad-based development program.
H&P 390
In 2026, the H&P 390 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Upton and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 430
In 2026, the H&P 430 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Midland and Glasscock counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, reflecting a slower, multi-pad development program.
H&P 461
In 2026, the H&P 461 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for TRP Energy. All activity occurred in Loving County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 14 days, indicating a slower, pad-based development program.
H&P 463
In 2026, the H&P 463 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity was concentrated across Martin and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a steady, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 464
In 2026, the H&P 464 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 8 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. All activity occurred in DeWitt County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, reflecting a consistent, pad-based development program.
H&P 472
In 2026, the H&P 472 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Upton and Glasscock counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, indicating a slower, multi-pad development program.
H&P 487
In 2026, the H&P 487 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity spanned Midland, Glasscock, and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, reflecting a slower, multi-location drilling program.
H&P 601
In 2026, the H&P 601 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). All activity occurred in Martin County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, supporting a slower, pad-based development program.
H&P 616
In 2026, the H&P 616 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Ovintiv USA and OXY USA Inc. Activity was concentrated across Midland and Martin counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 14 days, reflecting a multi-operator, pad-based development program.
H&P 641
In 2026, the H&P 641 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 8 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Martin and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 15 days, indicating a slower, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 396
In 2026, the H&P 396 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 7 wells for OXY USA Inc. All activity occurred in Reeves County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady development program.
H&P 494
In 2026, the H&P 494 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas, drilling a total of 7 wells for ConocoPhillips Company. All activity occurred in DeWitt County, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 18 days, indicating a slower, potentially more complex drilling program.
H&P 537
In 2026, the H&P 537 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling a total of 7 wells for INEOS USA LLC. Activity was concentrated across McMullen and La Salle counties, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 17 days, indicating a slower, multi-location development program.
H&P 617
In 2026, the H&P 617 drilling rig operated in the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 7 wells for Admiral Permian Resources (APR). Activity occurred across Loving and Ector counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, supporting a steady, pad-based development program.
H&P 632
In 2026, the H&P 632 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 7 wells for SM Energy Company (Civitas). Activity was concentrated across Glasscock and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 9 days, reflecting a highly efficient, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 645
In 2026, the H&P 645 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 7 wells for Exxon (XTO). All activity occurred in Midland County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 11 days, supporting a consistent, pad-based development program.
H&P 659
In 2026, the H&P 659 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 7 wells for Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd. Activity occurred across Andrews and Midland counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 17 days, indicating a slower, multi-location development program.
H&P 255
In 2026, the H&P 255 drilling rig operated in West Texas, drilling a total of 6 wells for Coterra Energy (Devon). All activity occurred in Culberson County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 20 days, reflecting a slower, likely more complex drilling program.
H&P 261
In 2026, the H&P 261 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 6 wells for Greenlake Energy. All activity occurred in Reeves County, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 16 days, indicating a slower, pad-based development program.
H&P 373
In 2026, the H&P 373 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 6 wells for SM Energy Company (Civitas). Activity occurred across Glasscock and Upton counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 13 days, supporting a steady development program.
H&P 415
In 2026, the H&P 415 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 6 wells for OXY USA Inc. Activity was concentrated across Reeves and Loving counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 12 days, reflecting a steady, pad-based drilling program.
H&P 417
In 2026, the H&P 417 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling a total of 6 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Martin and Midland counties, Texas, where drilling maintained an average cadence of approximately 17 days, indicating a slower, multi-location development program.
P 421
In 2026, the H&P 421 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin of the Permian Basin, drilling 6 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Martin and Midland counties, Texas, with an average cadence of ~17 days, indicating a slower, multi-pad program.
H&P 426
In 2026, the H&P 426 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin, drilling 6 wells for Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd. Activity spanned Andrews and Midland counties, Texas, with an average cadence of ~20 days, reflecting a slower development program.
H&P 427
In 2026, the H&P 427 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling 6 wells for Escondido Resources II. All activity occurred in Webb County, with an average cadence of ~15 days.
H&P 437
In 2026, the H&P 437 drilling rig operated in the Eagle Ford, drilling 6 wells for Devon Energy. All activity occurred in DeWitt County, with an average cadence of ~16 days.
H&P 539
In 2026, the H&P 539 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling 6 wells for Warwick Energy Group. All activity occurred in Dimmit County, with a fast cadence of ~9 days.
H&P 614
In 2026, the H&P 614 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin, drilling 6 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity spanned Martin and Midland counties, with a slower cadence of ~21 days.
H&P 625
In 2026, the H&P 625 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 6 wells for TRP Energy. All activity occurred in Reeves County, with a cadence of ~14 days.
H&P 637
In 2026, the H&P 637 drilling rig operated in the Midland Basin, drilling 6 wells for Exxon (XTO). Activity occurred across Midland and Martin counties, with a cadence of ~17 days.
H&P 244
In 2026, the H&P 244 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 5 wells for OXY USA. All activity occurred in Reeves County, with a fast cadence of ~8 days.
H&P 247
In 2026, the H&P 247 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling 5 wells for EOG Resources. All activity occurred in Webb County, with a slower cadence of ~24 days.
H&P 296
In 2026, the H&P 296 drilling rig operated in the Permian Basin, drilling 5 wells for Permian Resources. Activity spanned Reeves and Reagan counties, with a cadence of ~25 days.
H&P 312
In 2026, the H&P 312 drilling rig operated in the Permian Basin, drilling 5 wells for SM Energy (Civitas). Activity occurred across Loving and Upton counties, with a cadence of ~24 days.
H&P 419
In 2026, the H&P 419 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 5 wells for Petro-Hunt and Greenlake Energy. All activity occurred in Loving County, with a cadence of ~15 days.
H&P 540
In 2026, the H&P 540 drilling rig operated in South Texas, drilling 5 wells for Warwick Energy Group. Activity spanned Zavala and Fayette counties, with a very fast cadence of ~8 days.
H&P 541
In 2026, the H&P 541 drilling rig operated in East Texas, drilling 5 wells for TG Natural Resources. All activity occurred in Harrison County, with a cadence of ~24 days.
H&P 370
In 2026, the H&P 370 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 4 wells for Crescent Energy. All activity occurred in Ward County, with a cadence of ~22 days.
H&P 386
In 2026, the H&P 386 drilling rig operated in the Permian Basin, drilling 4 wells for Crescent Energy. Activity spanned Glasscock and Reeves counties, with a cadence of ~19 days.
H&P 496
In 2026, the H&P 496 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 4 wells for Permian Resources. All activity occurred in Reeves County, with a fast cadence of ~8 days.
H&P 510
In 2026, the H&P 510 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 4 wells for Permian Resources. All activity occurred in Reeves County, with a very fast cadence of ~7 days.
H&P 623
In 2026, the H&P 623 drilling rig operated in the Delaware Basin, drilling 4 wells for EOG Resources. All activity occurred in Loving County, with a cadence of ~13 days.
H&P 629
In 2026, the H&P 629 drilling rig operated in the Permian Basin, drilling 4 wells across multiple operators and counties, with a very slow cadence of ~36 days.
H&P 438 / 466 / 486 / 543 / 602 (3 wells each)
These rigs show limited activity (3 wells each) with highly variable cadence, ranging from very efficient (~5 days for H&P 602) to extremely slow (~48 days for H&P 486 and 543), indicating either early-stage programs or inconsistent deployment.
H&P 440 / 452 / 489 / 493 / 526 / 628 (2 wells each)
Minimal activity rigs with early-stage or limited deployment. Cadence varies widely but is not yet meaningful for performance benchmarking.
H&P 269 / 506 / 653 (1 well each)
Single-well activity rigs in 2026, indicating initial deployment or very limited utilization
Author: phinds