Highest-paying engineering. Cyclical with oil prices but Texas always pays a premium.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Petroleum Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $109,900 | $80,200 | $147,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $136,500 | $99,700 | $182,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $157,000 | $114,600 | $210,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $188,400 | $137,500 | $252,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $213,500 | $155,800 | $285,700 |
Top 10 states by median Petroleum Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $219,800 | $167,100 | $285,800 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $219,800 | $167,100 | $285,800 | +40% |
| New York | $208,800 | $158,700 | $271,500 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $204,100 | $155,100 | $265,400 | +30% |
| North Dakota | $204,100 | $155,100 | $265,400 | +30% |
| Washington | $204,100 | $155,100 | $265,400 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $197,800 | $150,400 | $257,200 | +26% |
| Alaska | $196,300 | $149,200 | $255,100 | +25% |
| Texas | $196,300 | $149,200 | $255,100 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $190,000 | $144,400 | $247,000 | +21% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $136,600 | $103,800 | $177,600 | -13% |
| Montana | $135,000 | $102,600 | $175,500 | -14% |
| Iowa | $133,500 | $101,400 | $173,500 | -15% |
| Kentucky | $133,500 | $101,400 | $173,500 | -15% |
| Wyoming | $131,900 | $100,200 | $171,500 | -16% |
| Alabama | $130,300 | $99,000 | $169,400 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $125,600 | $95,500 | $163,300 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $125,600 | $95,500 | $163,300 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,200 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,200 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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