Petroleum Engineer Salary in Texas
Based on 9K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$164,860
$79.26/hr
vs National Average
$133,391
+23.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$90K – $284K
9K employed in Texas
The median Petroleum Engineer salary in Texas stands at an impressive $164,860 annually, a figure that significantly outpaces the national average by 24%. With 9,140 workers in the field across the state, Texas offers a robust market for these professionals, with typical earnings ranging from $89,990 to $283,500.
Several factors contribute to the competitive Petroleum Engineer salary in Texas. Experience level, specific industry sector (e.g., upstream, midstream), the size and profitability of the employing company, and the complexity of the projects managed all play a crucial role in determining an individual's earning potential within this dynamic field.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $89,990 |
| 25th percentile | $123,450 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $164,860 |
| 75th percentile | $220,330 |
| 90th percentile | $283,500 |
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 Texas 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 Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,220 |
| 2023 | $147,840 |
| 2024 | $153,200 |
| 2025 | $164,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,752 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,220 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $147,840 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $153,200 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $164,860 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,752 | $141,394 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $123,450 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $164,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $220,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $283,500 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Petroleum Engineer Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Petroleum Engineer ($164,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Petroleum Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in TX | $171,370 | +3.9% | $82.39/hr |
| Marine Engineer in TX | $152,780 | -7.3% | $73.45/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in TX | $132,750 | -19.5% | $63.82/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in TX | $130,270 | -21.0% | $62.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in TX | $129,450 | -21.5% | $62.24/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in TX | $128,340 | -22.2% | $61.70/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in TX | $123,060 | -25.4% | $59.16/hr |
| Materials Engineer in TX | $117,700 | -28.6% | $56.59/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in TX | $112,410 | -31.8% | $54.04/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in TX | $104,560 | -36.6% | $50.27/hr |
| Civil Engineer in TX | $96,860 | -41.2% | $46.57/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in TX | $92,600 | -43.8% | $44.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Petroleum Engineer in Texas?
- The median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Texas is $164,860 per year, which translates to approximately $79 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, by about 23.6%.
How much can a Petroleum Engineer in Texas expect to earn?
- Petroleum Engineers in Texas typically earn between $89,990 and $283,500 annually. The median salary sits at $164,860 per year, reflecting strong earning potential in the state.
Is the salary for Petroleum Engineers higher in Texas compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, Petroleum Engineers in Texas earn considerably more than the national average. Their salaries are approximately 23.6% higher than the national median, with a median annual income of $164,860.
How many Petroleum Engineers are employed in Texas?
- There are approximately 9,140 Petroleum Engineers employed in Texas. This concentration of professionals likely contributes to the competitive salaries, with a median of $164,860 per year.