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Drilling Well Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Well Planner II is responsible for providing support to the Directional Department in the planning, development and execution of onshore directional drilling activities for new and existing wells.

The Well Planner II is responsible for providing support to the Directional Department in the planning, development and execution of onshore directional drilling activities for new and existing wells.

The Well Planner II is responsible for providing support to the Directional Department in the planning, development and execution of onshore directional drilling activities for new and existing wells.

New

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

Drilling Engineer Duration: Through June 2028 Schedule: Standard 5-day work week during planning ... Anchorage, Alaska (On-site) This opportunity supports the planning, execution, and post-well ...

Aspects of the role include operation geology, geosteering, well planning, collaboration with all asset teams, assisting in post-drilling well reviews, and integration with Drilling, Completion, and ...

DUTIES AND RESPSONSIBILITIES Planning Phase: * Assist the well engineering activities throughout ... Prepare the Technical Specifications (& Scope Of Works) for Drilling equipment, materials and ...

Aspects of the role include operation geology, geosteering, well planning, collaboration with all asset teams, assisting in post-drilling well reviews, and integration with Drilling, Completion, and ...

Aspects of the role include operation geology, geosteering, well planning, collaboration with all asset teams, assisting in post-drilling well reviews, and integration with Drilling, Completion, and ...

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$206K - $255K/yr

Job Summary The Sr. Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, engineering, and supporting the ... Lead the technical planning process for assigned wells, including well design, casing and cementing ...

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Drilling Well Planner information

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$33K

$69.6K

$113K

How much do drilling well planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling well planner in the United States is $69,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drilling well planner do?

A Drilling Well Planner is responsible for designing and planning the drilling operations for oil and gas wells. They create detailed plans that outline the drilling path, select appropriate drilling techniques, and ensure that all procedures comply with safety and environmental regulations. Their work involves coordinating with engineers, geologists, and drilling teams to optimize well performance, reduce costs, and minimize risks. Drilling Well Planners also analyze data from previous wells and use specialized software to plan new wells efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling well planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Well Planner, you need a deep understanding of drilling engineering principles, well design, and geology, usually backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with technical software such as Landmark, WellPlan, and Microsoft Office, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and making informed decisions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective well planning and execution in complex drilling operations.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling well planners when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams?

Drilling Well Planners often work closely with geologists, drilling engineers, and operations teams to develop safe and efficient well plans. One common challenge is ensuring clear and timely communication among all stakeholders, as misalignment can lead to delays or unexpected operational risks. Planners must also balance technical requirements with budget constraints and regulatory guidelines, all while adapting to last-minute changes in subsurface data or drilling objectives. Successful Drilling Well Planners rely on strong collaboration skills and attention to detail to navigate these complexities and deliver optimal well designs.

What is the difference between Drilling Well Planner vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDrilling Well PlannerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drillingEngineering degree, certifications in drilling engineering
Work EnvironmentPlanning offices, project designOn-site drilling operations, fieldwork
ResponsibilitiesDesigning well plans, ensuring safety and efficiencyOverseeing drilling operations, troubleshooting

The Drilling Well Planner focuses on designing and planning well programs, while the Drilling Engineer manages the execution and operational aspects of drilling. Both roles require engineering credentials and industry experience, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Drilling Well Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling Well Planner job openings:

What states have the most Drilling Well Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Well Planner jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Well Planner jobs?

For Drilling Well Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drilling Well Planner job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,591 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Well Planner 2 MSD

Conroe, TX • On-site

Patterson-UTI
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Well Planner II is responsible for providing support to the Directional Department in the planning, development and execution of onshore directional drilling activities for new and existing wells. By independently collaborating with Engineers and Geologists, the Well Planner II will use Landmark COMPASS as well as other relevant software to calculate well trajectories and ensure customer objectives are met.

The Well Planner II works under the direction of the Well Planning Manager.

Detailed Description:

  • Gather and interpret data to calculate well plans as required by customer

  • Prepare plan reports, anti-collision reports, and wall plots for customer and field use

  • Prepare daily PVA reports and End of Well reports

  • Update department, customer and field databases to ensure consistency

  • Record and archive customer documentation and correspondence

  • Maintain job logs and daily tracking databases

  • Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

  • Work independently and prioritize time to meet processing deadlines

  • Perform other relevant projects and responsibilities as deemed necessary

Job Requirements:

  • Proficient computer skills in MS Office Suite including Excel, Word, and Outlook as well as other business systems such as AutoCAD and Landmark COMPASS or other equivalent planning software

  • Ability to read and comprehend reports and other documentation received in the course of performing duties

  • Strong mathematical, analytical and problem solving skills

  • Maintain professional demeanor in all situations with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with employees and third parties at all levels

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Extremely detail oriented with the ability to multitask and prioritize work

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • 1 year of well planning experience in an office environment for onshore wells

  • Landmark COMPASS or other equivalent planning software experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or related field

  • AutoCAD or equivalent drafting software experience

Additional Details:

This job requires the ability to work under time-sensitive deadlines and maintain a calm and professional demeanor when adversity is encountered. It also requires the physical ability to work in office environment including the ability to sit for long periods of time while performing office or computer tasks. The job requires participation in a 24 hour on call rotation including weekend and holidays. All applicants must be able to commit to a full-time schedule.

#MSDirectionalJob

The Directional Drilling Choice
With over 30 years of industry experience, MS Directional holds an established presence in most major producing onshore oil and gas basins and is a leader in onshore directional drilling in the United States.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.



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