Petroleum Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$172,190
$82.78/hr
vs National Average
$133,391
+29.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$93K – $265K
1K employed in Colorado
Petroleum engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $172,190 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 29 percent. With approximately 1,390 petroleum engineers currently employed in the state, Colorado represents a substantial hub for this specialized profession. The salary range spans from $92,590 to $264,960 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual qualifications and circumstances.
Several factors influence petroleum engineer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Geographic location within the state, proximity to major oil and gas operations, and company size also play important roles in compensation. Professional certifications and specialized expertise in emerging technologies can further impact earning potential for those in this field.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $92,590 |
| 25th percentile | $112,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $172,190 |
| 75th percentile | $214,220 |
| 90th percentile | $264,960 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,980 |
| 2023 | $170,010 |
| 2024 | $167,540 |
| 2025 | $172,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,969 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,980 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $170,010 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $167,540 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $172,190 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,969 | $137,093 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $112,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $172,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $214,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $264,960 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Petroleum Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Petroleum Engineer ($172,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Petroleum Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +6.7% | $88.37/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | -9.3% | $75.09/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | -26.9% | $60.48/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | -27.7% | $59.82/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | -28.0% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | -29.9% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -35.7% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -36.3% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | -37.9% | $51.39/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -41.1% | $48.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CO | $171,250 | -0.5% | $82.33/hr |
| Lawyer in CO | $168,520 | -2.1% | $81.02/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum engineers make in Colorado?
- Petroleum engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $172,190 per year, or $83 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 29.1% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for petroleum engineers in Colorado?
- Petroleum engineer salaries in Colorado range from $92,590 at the lower end to $264,960 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is petroleum engineering a well-paying job in Colorado compared to other states?
- Yes, petroleum engineers in Colorado earn 29.1% more than the national average, making it a particularly lucrative state for this profession. The median salary of $172,190 in Colorado significantly exceeds typical earnings in most other states.
How many petroleum engineer jobs are available in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,390 petroleum engineers currently employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.