Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN) 10-K 2010 FY Annual report

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

NOT FILED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

In connection with the Annual Report of Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) onForm 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2010, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Douglas J. Wall, Chief Executive Officer, and John E. Vollmer III, Chief Financial Officer, of the Company, each certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

/s/  Douglas J. Wall

Douglas J. Wall

Chief Executive Officer

February 14, 2011

/s/  John E. Vollmer III

John E. Vollmer III

Chief Financial Officer

February 14, 2011