Petroleum Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 16K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$133,391
$64.13/hr
▲ 1.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$83K – $203K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
16K
workers nationwide
The median Petroleum Engineer salary in the United States is $133,391 per year, translating to approximately $64 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this specialized field, with most salaries falling between $83,233 and $202,883 annually.
Several factors influence the Petroleum Engineer salary in the United States. Experience level is a significant determinant, with more seasoned engineers commanding higher pay. Location also plays a crucial role; for example, Alaska offers a median salary of $206,290. The specific industry sector, company size, and the demand for their expertise within the oil and gas industry also impact compensation.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,233 |
| 25th percentile | $108,424 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,391 |
| 75th percentile | $165,984 |
| 90th percentile | $202,883 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Petroleum Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $206,290 | +54.7% | 280 |
| 2 | Utah | $172,840 | +29.6% | 280 |
| 3 | Colorado | $172,190 | +29.1% | 1K |
| 4 | Texas | $164,860 | +23.6% | 9K |
| 5 | Oklahoma | $153,020 | +14.7% | 1K |
| 6 | California | $143,590 | +7.6% | 1K |
| 7 | Louisiana | $139,640 | +4.7% | 710 |
| 8 | Washington | $134,800 | +1.1% | 190 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $132,120 | -1.0% | 130 |
| 10 | Kansas | $115,640 | -13.3% | 110 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Petroleum Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($217,210 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $217,210 | +62.8% | 60 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,710 | +28.7% | 2K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $166,450 | +24.8% | 9K |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $165,030 | +23.7% | 1K |
| 5 | Wholesale Trade | $147,230 | +10.4% | — |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $141,770 | +6.3% | 610 |
| 7 | Transportation and Warehousing | $134,400 | +0.8% | 990 |
| 8 | Utilities | $106,260 | -20.3% | 380 |
| 9 | Educational Services | $100,470 | -24.7% | 30 |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $96,040 | -28.0% | 3K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Petroleum Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,546 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $108,424 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,391 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,984 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $202,883 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Petroleum Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for a Petroleum Engineer in the United States is $133,391 annually. This means half of Petroleum Engineers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The typical salary range falls between $83,233 and $202,883.
How much do Petroleum Engineers make in the highest paying state?
- In Alaska, which is the top-paying state for Petroleum Engineers, the median salary reaches an impressive $206,290 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median and highlights the geographic variations in compensation.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in the US?
- The salary range for Petroleum Engineers in the United States is quite broad, extending from $83,233 for entry-level or lower-compensated positions up to $202,883 for those in more senior or highly specialized roles. The median sits at $133,391.
Is the demand for Petroleum Engineers high, and how does that affect pay?
- With a total of 16,330 employed Petroleum Engineers, the demand can fluctuate based on global energy markets. While specific demand figures aren't provided, the salary range from $83,233 to $202,883 suggests that specialized skills and experience can lead to higher earning potential.