Exhibit 23







                                              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statements of Parker Drilling Company on Form S-8 (File No. 2-87944, 33-24155,
33-56698, 33-57345 and 333-84069) of our report dated February 3, 2000, on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Parker Drilling Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1999, August 31, 1998 and 1997
and for the four months ended December 31, 1998, which report is included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




                                           /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                           PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP




Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 21, 2000