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Drilling Operations Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Drilling Operations Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drilling Operations Manager in the United States is $186,272 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.

However, a Drilling Operations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $210,458
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,432 to $198,932
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,100
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Drilling Operations Manager Salaries

A Drilling Operations 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Drilling Operations Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Drilling Operations 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:

  • Drilling Operations Supervisor (0-3 years): $131,337
  • Drilling Operations Manager (3-5 years): $186,272
  • Drilling Operations Director (5+ years): $248,718
  • SVP of Drilling Operations (5+ years): $389,366
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Drilling Operations Supervisor0-3 years$131,337
Drilling Operations Manager3-5 years$186,272
Drilling Operations Director5+ years$248,718
SVP of Drilling Operations5+ years$389,366
View as Graph

How Do Drilling Operations Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Operations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $206,240.
  • California: $205,458.
  • Massachusetts: $202,720.

Top Paying Cities for Drilling Operations Managers

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:

  • San Jose: $234,945
  • San Francisco: $232,372
  • Oakland: $227,475

Drilling Operations Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Drilling Operations Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $216,422. While startup companies pay approximate $183,307.

Drilling Operations Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $183,307
Growth Stage 51~500 $193,790
Established 501~5000 $209,075
Enterprise 5000+ $216,422

How Education impacts a Drilling Operations Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drilling Operations Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Drilling Operations Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $138,004 and $149,389.

Drilling Operations Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Drilling Operations Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 13.6%
High School 13.6%
Associates 13.6%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 22.7%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Drilling Operations Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Drilling Operations 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$169,432
Average $186,272/year
$198,932
$14,119
Average $15,523/month
$16,578
$3,258
Average $3,582/week
$3,826
$81
Average $90/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $198,932 $16,578 $3,826 $96
Average $186,272 $15,523 $3,582 $90
25th Percentile $169,432 $14,119 $3,258 $81

Drilling Operations Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Drilling Operations Manager

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Advancement

For a Drilling Operations Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Drilling Operations Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $248,718 - a projected growth of 34% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Drilling Operations Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Drilling Operations Manager

Here are companies hiring for Drilling Operations Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Drilling Operations Manager

1. Where can a Drilling Operations Manager earn the most?

A Drilling Operations 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 Operations Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Drilling Operations Manager is $234,945.

2. What is the highest pay for Drilling Operations Manager?

The highest pay for Drilling Operations Manager is $210,458.

3. What is the lowest pay for Drilling Operations Manager?

The lowest pay for Drilling Operations Manager is $154,100.

4. What are the responsibilities of Drilling Operations Manager?

Manages the daily drilling operations for an organization. Oversees and monitors the planning and execution of drilling projects. Maintains adherence to project plans, budgets, and timelines. Ensures compliance with safety and industry standards. Analyzes data, identifies areas for improvement, and implements measures to enhance drilling performance. May require a bachelor's degree. 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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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