Petroleum Engineer Salary in Alaska
Based on 280+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$206,290
$99.18/hr
vs National Average
$133,391
+54.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$129K – $277K
280 employed in Alaska
Petroleum engineers in Alaska earn a median salary of $200,750 per year, significantly higher than most other states. This reflects Alaska's remote location, harsh working conditions, and the specialized expertise required in the oil and gas industry. With approximately 310 petroleum engineers currently employed in the state, the petroleum engineer salary in Alaska ranks 53% above the national average.
Several factors influence petroleum engineer salary in Alaska, including experience level, specific job location within the state, and employer size. The demanding Arctic environment and offshore work requirements typically command premium compensation. Additionally, the state's oil production focus and limited local talent pool contribute to elevated pay scales compared to other regions, making Alaska an attractive destination for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $129,150 |
| 25th percentile | $174,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $206,290 |
| 75th percentile | $219,480 |
| 90th percentile | $277,360 |
Top-Paying Industries for Petroleum Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Petroleum Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Petroleum Engineers in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $217,210 | 60 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,710 | 2K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $166,450 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $165,030 | 1K |
| Wholesale Trade | $147,230 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Petroleum Engineer in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,380 |
| 2023 | $134,750 |
| 2024 | $200,750 |
| 2025 | $206,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $211,983 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,380 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $134,750 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $200,750 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $206,290 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $211,983 | $137,072 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $174,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $206,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $219,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $277,360 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Petroleum Engineer Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Petroleum Engineer ($206,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Petroleum Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AK | $164,260 | -20.4% | $78.97/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AK | $156,510 | -24.1% | $75.25/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AK | $125,970 | -38.9% | $60.56/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AK | $124,340 | -39.7% | $59.78/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AK | $123,360 | -40.2% | $59.31/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AK | $114,730 | -44.4% | $55.16/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AK | $110,220 | -46.6% | $52.99/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AK | $106,080 | -48.6% | $51.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AK | $101,710 | -50.7% | $48.90/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +12.0% | $111.05/hr |
| Airline Pilot in AK | $232,140 | +12.5% | $111.61/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | -17.4% | $81.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum engineers make in Alaska?
- Petroleum engineers in Alaska earn a median salary of $200,750 per year, or $97 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 52.9% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for petroleum engineers in Alaska?
- The salary range for petroleum engineers in Alaska starts at $111,630 annually at the lower end. The data shows there are 310 petroleum engineers employed in Alaska across this salary spectrum.
Is petroleum engineering a well-paid job in Alaska compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, petroleum engineering is considerably well-paid in Alaska, with the median salary of $200,750 per year being 52.9% higher than the national average. This makes Alaska one of the most lucrative locations for this profession.
How many petroleum engineers work in Alaska?
- There are currently 310 petroleum engineers employed in Alaska, representing a concentrated but established workforce in the state's energy sector.