Petroleum Engineer Salary in Louisiana
Based on 710+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$139,640
$67.13/hr
vs National Average
$133,391
+4.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $222K
710 employed in Louisiana
Petroleum engineer salary in Louisiana reflects strong demand in the state's robust energy sector. The median annual salary stands at $139,640, which is approximately 5% above the national average. Currently, around 710 petroleum engineers work in Louisiana, contributing significantly to the region's oil and gas industry infrastructure and economic output.
Several factors influence petroleum engineer salary in Louisiana, including years of experience, specific job responsibilities, and employer size. Engineers working for major integrated oil companies typically earn more than those at smaller operators or service firms. Geographic proximity to major production facilities, advanced certifications, and specialization in high-demand areas like offshore drilling also affect compensation packages in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,440 |
| 25th percentile | $89,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,640 |
| 75th percentile | $178,810 |
| 90th percentile | $221,800 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,560 |
| 2023 | $136,950 |
| 2024 | $134,630 |
| 2025 | $139,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,836 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,560 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $136,950 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $134,630 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $139,640 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,836 | $138,355 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $89,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $178,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $221,800 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Petroleum Engineer Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Petroleum Engineer ($139,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Petroleum Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in LA | $162,850 | +16.6% | $78.29/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in LA | $136,970 | -1.9% | $65.85/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in LA | $134,800 | -3.5% | $64.81/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in LA | $130,510 | -6.5% | $62.75/hr |
| Materials Engineer in LA | $128,670 | -7.9% | $61.86/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in LA | $123,710 | -11.4% | $59.48/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in LA | $122,920 | -12.0% | $59.10/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in LA | $119,540 | -14.4% | $57.47/hr |
| Civil Engineer in LA | $105,380 | -24.5% | $50.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in LA | $84,320 | -39.6% | $40.54/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in LA | $133,210 | -4.6% | $64.04/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | -5.2% | $63.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum engineers make in Louisiana?
- Petroleum engineers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $139,640 per year, or approximately $67 per hour. This is 4.7% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for petroleum engineers in Louisiana?
- Petroleum engineer salaries in Louisiana range from $43,440 at the lower end to $221,800 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is Louisiana a good state for petroleum engineer salaries?
- Yes, Louisiana offers competitive salaries for petroleum engineers, with a median of $139,640 that exceeds the national average by 4.7%, making it an attractive location for the profession.
How many petroleum engineers work in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 710 petroleum engineers currently employed in Louisiana, representing a stable job market in the state's energy sector.