Texas tech capital — Tesla, Oracle, Apple — booming. Here's how Petroleum Engineers in Austin get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Austin metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $127,600 | $97,000 | $166,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $158,600 | $120,600 | $206,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $182,400 | $138,700 | $237,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $218,800 | $166,400 | $284,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $248,000 | $188,600 | $322,500 |
Highest-paying metros for Petroleum Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Austin metro economy.
The average Petroleum Engineer salary in the Austin metro is $182,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $138,700 to $237,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $301,000 or more.
Yes — Austin pays -7% relative to the Texas state median for Petroleum Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Austin vs. national: +16%. That puts Austin among the stronger US markets for Petroleum Engineers — though cost of living in Austin is also typically elevated.
In Austin, the median Petroleum Engineer salary of $182,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Petroleum Engineers in Austin start around $127,600, while seniors (10+ years) reach $218,800 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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