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