SOC 17-2171 · May 2025 · United States
Petroleum Engineers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Petroleum Engineers across the United States is $144,910 per year, measured over 18,060 jobs. The highest state median is in Alaska, at $206,290.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Petroleum Engineers
Pay for this occupation varies by 121.0% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Alaska pays $206,290 and West Virginia pays $93,360.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $206,290 | 280 | |
| 2 | Utah | $172,840 | 280 | |
| 3 | Colorado | $172,190 | 1,390 | |
| 4 | Texas | $164,860 | 9,140 | |
| 5 | Oklahoma | $153,020 | 1,450 | |
| 6 | California | $143,590 | 1,060 | |
| 7 | Louisiana | $139,640 | 710 | |
| 8 | Washington | $134,800 | 190 | |
| 9 | North Dakota | $132,120 | 130 | |
| 10 | Kansas | $115,640 | 110 |
States with the most Petroleum Engineers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 9,140 | $164,860 | |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 1,450 | $153,020 | |
| 3 | Colorado | 1,390 | $172,190 | |
| 4 | California | 1,060 | $143,590 | |
| 5 | Louisiana | 710 | $139,640 | |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 600 | $101,880 | |
| 7 | West Virginia | 380 | $93,360 | |
| 8 | Alaska | 280 | $206,290 | |
| 9 | Utah | 280 | $172,840 | |
| 10 | New Mexico | 260 | $99,900 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage | $212,240 | 200 |
| 2 | Salt Lake City | $180,230 | 110 |
| 3 | Oklahoma City | $176,200 | 700 |
| 4 | Denver | $174,580 | 900 |
| 5 | Midland | $172,070 | 940 |
| 6 | Houston | $169,870 | 4,770 |
| 7 | Austin | $168,860 | 150 |
| 8 | Dallas | $168,600 | 910 |
| 9 | Beaumont | $167,600 | 90 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | $167,000 | 330 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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