OCTOBER 15, 2004 – SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Pioneer Drilling Company (AMEX: PDC) announced today that it intends to release the financial results for its fiscal second quarter on Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 6:00 a.m. eastern time. In conjunction with the upcoming release, Pioneer Drilling has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet, on Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. eastern time (10:00 a.m. central).

What: Pioneer Drilling’s Fiscal Second Quarter 2005 Conference Call

When: Thursday, November 4, 2004 – 11:00 a.m. eastern time

How: Live via phone - By dialing (303) 262-2211 and asking for the Pioneer Drilling call 10 minutes prior to the start time. Or live over the Internet by logging on to the web address below.

Where: http://www.pioneerdrlg.com

For those who cannot listen to the live call, a replay will be available through November 11, 2004, and may be accessed by calling (303) 590-3000 using pass code 11012216. Also, an archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on www.pioneerdrlg.com. For more information, please contact Donna Washburn at DRG&E at 713-529-6600 or email dmw@drg-e.com.

Pioneer Drilling Company provides land contract drilling services to independent and major oil and gas operators drilling wells in North, East and South Texas and North Louisiana.

Pioneer’s fleet consists of 36 land drilling rigs that drill in depth ranges between 8,000 and 18,000 feet.