What is the entry-level Petroleum Engineer salary?

Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $80,000 per year, rising toward $131,800 with experience.

What is the highest Petroleum Engineer salary?

Experienced Petroleum Engineers can earn around $195,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education does a Petroleum Engineer need?

Most Petroleum Engineer roles require a Bachelor's degree. Job demand is projected to grow 2% — slower than average.

Engineering · US Salary

Petroleum Engineer Salary

Median $131,800/yr · about $63.37/hr

Entry-level

$80,000

Median (typical)

$131,800

Experienced

$195,000

Job growth

+2%

slower than average

Education

Bachelor's

Field

Engineering

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make?

The typical Petroleum Engineer in the United States earns a median salary of $131,800 per year — roughly $63.37 per hour. Pay ranges from about $80,000 for entry-level roles to $195,000 for experienced professionals.

Demand for Petroleum Engineers is projected to change by 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Most positions require a Bachelor's degree. Actual pay varies with location, industry, and employer — use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your after-tax income by state.

Petroleum Engineer Salary — FAQ

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make?: The median Petroleum Engineer salary in the US is $131,800 per year, which is about $63.37 per hour (at 2,080 hours/year).
What is the entry-level Petroleum Engineer salary?: Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $80,000 per year, rising toward $131,800 with experience.
What is the highest Petroleum Engineer salary?: Experienced Petroleum Engineers can earn around $195,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.
What education does a Petroleum Engineer need?: Most Petroleum Engineer roles require a Bachelor's degree. Job demand is projected to grow 2% — slower than average.

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