EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-47917, 33-39471, 333-67810, 333-60470, and 333-60466) and in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-53336, 333-44932, 333-34018, and 333-89885) of Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated February 16, 2001, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of UTI Energy Corp. as of December 31, 2000 and for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2000 (not presented separately therein). /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Houston, Texas March 15, 2002