As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Engineering Manager in the United States is $181,599 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.
However, a Drilling Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Drilling Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $201,285 | $16,774 | $3,871 | $97 |
| Average | $181,599 | $15,133 | $3,492 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $170,265 | $14,189 | $3,274 | $82 |
Marvin - WARROAD, MN
Marvin - GRAND FORKS, ND
Marvin - SIOUX FALLS, SD
Marvin - OMAHA, NE
A Drilling Engineering Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Engineering Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Drilling Engineering Manager | $177,370 |
| Intermediate Level Drilling Engineering Manager | $177,877 |
| Senior Level Drilling Engineering Manager | $179,569 |
| Specialist Level Drilling Engineering Manager | $181,599 |
| Expert Level Drilling Engineering Manager | $186,594 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Drilling Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Drilling Engineering Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $201,285 | $16,774 | $3,871 | $97 |
| Average | $181,599 | $15,133 | $3,492 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $170,265 | $14,189 | $3,274 | $82 |
For a Drilling Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Reservoir Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $338,472 - a projected growth of 86% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drilling Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
Energy & Utilities
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A Drilling Engineering Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Drilling Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Engineering Manager is $229,051.
The highest pay for Drilling Engineering Manager is $219,208.
The lowest pay for Drilling Engineering Manager is $159,946.
Manages a team of drilling engineers. Monitors and oversees the design and implementation of oil and gas wells. Reviews project plans and provides technical assistance and recommendations as needed. Analyzes data to identify trends, assess performance, and make adjustments to improve future drilling operations. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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