How Petroleum Engineers in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $129,700 | $98,500 | $168,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $161,200 | $122,400 | $209,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $185,300 | $140,800 | $240,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $222,300 | $168,900 | $289,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $252,000 | $191,400 | $327,600 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $185,300 | $140,800 | $240,900 | +0% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Colorado is $185,300 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $140,800 and the 75th at $240,900.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +18% above the national Petroleum Engineer median ($157,000). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Petroleum Engineers (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $222,300 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $252,000 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 13th for Petroleum Engineer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $219,800 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal salary report →