Petroleum Engineer Salary
Petroleum Engineers earn a median $144,910 a year nationally. Architecture and Engineering Occupations
What petroleum engineers do
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +2.0% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 1,000
- Self-employed
- 2%
Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2.0% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Petroleum Engineer take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$23,512
- Social Security (6.2%)$8,984
- Medicare (1.45%)$2,101
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$110,312
Marginal rate: 24% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $81,440 | $39.15 | $66,123 |
| 25th percentile | $106,270 | $51.09 | $83,591 |
| Median (50th) | $144,910 | $69.67 | $110,312 |
| 75th percentile | $197,920 | $95.15 | $147,376 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $253,200+ | $121.73 | $185,283 |
Best cities for petroleum engineers (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston, TX | $169,870 | $127,372 | $129,143 | 4,770 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Houston, TX — $169,870
Petroleum Engineer salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $206,290 | +2.8% | $153,560 | $129,150 – $239,200+ | 280 |
| Utah | $172,840 | +3.8% | $122,590 | $101,490 – $212,590 | 280 |
| Colorado | $172,190 | +2.8% | $122,090 | $92,590 – $239,200+ | 1,390 |
| Texas | $164,860 | +7.6% | $123,948 | $89,990 – $239,200+ | 9,140 |
| Oklahoma | $153,020 | +7.4% | $109,515 | $86,990 – $221,320 | 1,450 |
| California | $143,590 | −2.8% | $98,419 | $61,780 – $207,370 | 1,060 |
| Louisiana | $139,640 | +3.7% | $102,907 | $43,440 – $221,800 | 710 |
| Washington | $134,800 | +4.0% | $103,402 | $107,690 – $184,360 | 190 |
| North Dakota | $132,120 | +1.6% | $100,253 | $82,530 – $170,040 | 130 |
| Kansas | $115,640 | −2.0% | $84,530 | $65,510 – $195,300 | 110 |
| Montana | $104,060 | +23.3% | $77,518 | $77,450 – $155,590 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $101,880 | +9.6% | $77,375 | $77,220 – $175,130 | 600 |
| Nebraska | $100,800 | −6.0% | $76,036 | $80,880 – $165,490 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $99,900 | −15.3% | $75,545 | $76,140 – $151,750 | 260 |
| Ohio | $99,260 | −8.2% | $76,712 | $79,010 – $139,440 | 200 |
| West Virginia | $93,360 | −9.3% | $70,944 | $79,860 – $220,130 | 380 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 | Bachelor's degree | +8.3% |
| Nuclear Engineer | $133,970 | Bachelor's degree | +0.4% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $130,220 | Bachelor's degree | +3.7% |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $161,740 | Bachelor's degree | +9.1% |
| Chemical Engineer | $125,040 | Bachelor's degree | +4.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | $122,930 | Bachelor's degree | +3.7% |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 | Bachelor's degree | +9.9% |
| Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | $115,160 | Bachelor's degree | +5.4% |
| Materials Engineer | $112,860 | Bachelor's degree | +7.5% |
| Marine Engineer and Naval Architect | $112,230 | Bachelor's degree | +6.7% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a petroleum engineer make?
The national median salary for petroleum engineers is $144,910 a year ($69.67 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,440 and the top 10% earn over $239,200+. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays petroleum engineers the most?
Alaska has the highest median pay at $206,290. After taxes and local prices, Houston, TX offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many petroleum engineers are there in the U.S.?
About 18,060 people work as petroleum engineers nationwide.