Petroleum Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 18K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$131,270
$63.111/hr
▲ 3.2% vs 2023Salary Range
$112K – $212K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
18K
workers nationwide
Petroleum engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $131,270 per year, reflecting the specialized nature of this technical profession. With approximately 18,460 workers employed in this field, petroleum engineers command competitive compensation packages compared to many other engineering disciplines. The salary range spans from $111,630 to $212,010 annually, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence petroleum engineer salary in the United States, including experience level, educational credentials, geographic location, and employer type. Engineers working for major oil and gas companies or in resource-rich regions typically earn higher wages than those in smaller firms or less active markets. Additionally, certifications, advanced degrees, and specialized expertise in emerging technologies can substantially impact earning potential within this field.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $111,630 |
| 25th percentile | $150,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,270 |
| 75th percentile | $209,650 |
| 90th percentile | $212,010 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Petroleum Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $200,750 | +52.9% | 310 |
| 2 | Colorado | $167,540 | +27.6% | 1K |
| 3 | Utah | $166,580 | +26.9% | 380 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $164,240 | +25.1% | 50 |
| 5 | Texas | $153,200 | +16.7% | 11K |
| 6 | Wyoming | $152,770 | +16.4% | 320 |
| 7 | California | $147,780 | +12.6% | 1K |
| 8 | Oklahoma | $142,470 | +8.5% | 1K |
| 9 | New Jersey | $140,800 | +7.3% | 30 |
| 10 | Louisiana | $134,630 | +2.6% | 920 |
Historical Salary Trend — Petroleum Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $131,270 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Petroleum engineers earn a median hourly wage of $63/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $131,270, though hourly rates vary based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for petroleum engineers?
- Petroleum engineer salaries in the United States range from $111,630 at the lower end to $212,010 at the higher end. The difference between the lowest and highest earners reflects variations in experience level, specialization, and geographic location.
Which state pays petroleum engineers the most?
- Alaska is the top-paying state for petroleum engineers, with an average salary of $200,750 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median salary of $131,270.
How many petroleum engineers are employed in the US?
- There are currently 18,460 petroleum engineers employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in this specialized engineering field across all states and employment sectors.