Petroleum Engineers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Petroleum Engineers in the United States is $144,910 per year — about $70 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $106,270 and $197,920 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Petroleum Engineers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $212,240 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $176,200 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $180,230 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $167,600 |
| Lubbock, TX | $164,480 |
| Midland, TX | $172,070 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $161,940 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $168,860 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $169,870 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $155,870 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Petroleum Engineers make in the US?
The median salary is $144,910 per year (about $70 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $106,270 and $197,920 a year.
How much do Petroleum Engineers make per hour?
About $70 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $144,910 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Petroleum Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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