As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas in the United States is $283,600. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $269,200 to $321,400, with most professionals earning between $256,090 and $355,815.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $321,400 | $26,783 | $6,181 | $155 |
| Average | $283,600 | $23,633 | $5,454 | $136 |
| 25th Percentile | $269,200 | $22,433 | $5,177 | $129 |
An entry-level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas with less than 1 year of experience earns about $278,227. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $278,872. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $279,946. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $281,451, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $293,191.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas | $278,227 |
| Intermediate Level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas | $278,872 |
| Senior Level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas | $279,946 |
| Specialist Level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas | $281,451 |
| Expert Level Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas | $293,191 |
| Entry Level | 2% |
| Mid Level | 2% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 1% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $164,115 in 2023 to approximately $155,695 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Exploration Manager - Oil and Gas and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $283,600 | 76.7% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $14,565 | 3.9% | ||
| 401K/403B | $10,000 | 2.7% | ||
| Disability | $2,836 | 0.8% | ||
| Healthcare | $7,986 | 2.2% | ||
| Pension | $16,000 | 4.3% | ||
| Time Off | $34,905 | 9.4% | ||
| Total Compensation | $369,893 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 5.6% |
| Bachelors | 27.8% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 16.7% |
What Am I Worth?
Oil and gas jobs, particularly for positions like Exploration Manager, offer high salaries due to the challenging working conditions and significant risks involved. With salaries ranging from $302,400 to $348,100, these roles demand expertise and commitment, often requiring long shifts and time away from home, which justifies the lucrative compensation.
A career in oil and gas can be highly rewarding, both financially and professionally. With salaries for Exploration Managers ranging from $302,400 to $348,100, this sector remains a lucrative option. Despite the rise of renewable energy, oil and gas companies continue to offer substantial opportunities and competitive pay, making it a worthwhile career choice.
An Exploration Manager in the oil and gas sector is responsible for identifying new drilling locations and negotiating land access with property owners. This role typically commands a salary ranging from $302,400 to $348,100, with a mid-level salary of $324,000, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in managing exploration projects.
The hardest job in the oilfield often includes roles like Roustabouts and Derrick Operators, which involve physically demanding tasks and high risks. Among these, the Exploration Manager in Oil and Gas stands out, earning between $302,400 and $348,100 annually, reflecting the complexity and responsibility of overseeing exploration activities.
The estimated total pay range for an Exploration Manager in the Oil and Gas sector is between $302,400 and $348,100 per year. This figure includes base salary and potential additional compensation, reflecting the specialized nature of the role in this industry.
An Exploration Manager in the oil and gas sector makes strategic decisions on fuel reserve exploration, conducts risk assessments, and leads a technical team along with subcontractors. They ensure production facilities operate efficiently. The salary for this role ranges from $302,400 to $348,100, with a midpoint of $324,000.
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.
