Petroleum Engineer Salary 2025: Median $144,910, Top States Pay Over $200K
Petroleum engineers earned a median salary of $144,910 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $157,150, or roughly $70 per hour. Typical pay ranges from $81,440 at the 10th percentile to $253,200 at the 90th percentile. That top figure reflects the highest earners in the field, often those with decades of experience or working in remote, high-cost locations.
How much Petroleum Engineers earn
The median annual wage for petroleum engineers is $144,910. The mean wage is $157,150, which translates to about $70 per hour. Entry-level engineers (10th percentile) earn around $81,440, while the most experienced and highest-paid (90th percentile) earn $253,200 or more. These numbers are based on the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from May 2024.
Salaries vary by experience, employer, and location. Oil and gas extraction companies tend to pay higher than other industries, and wages in major energy hubs like Texas and Alaska are well above the national median.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for petroleum engineers is Alaska, with an average wage of $206,290. Utah follows at $172,840, Colorado at $172,190, Texas at $164,860, and Oklahoma at $153,020. These states are home to major oil and gas production, and employers offer premium pay to attract engineers to remote or high-cost areas.
On the lower end, New Mexico averages $99,900, Ohio $99,260, and West Virginia $93,360. These states still have oil and gas activity, but pay is closer to the national median for all occupations.
How to become Petroleum Engineer
Becoming a petroleum engineer requires a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field like mechanical or chemical engineering. Programs typically take four years and include coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and geology. Some universities offer cooperative education programs that provide paid work experience.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering (ABET-accredited preferred).
- Complete an internship or co-op with an oil and gas company to gain field experience.
- Obtain a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) license to start, then a Professional Engineer (PE) license after 4 years of experience.
- Consider a master's degree for advanced research or management roles.
Job outlook
Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 1.3% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 1,200 job openings each year over the decade, primarily to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Current employment stands at 18,060.
Demand depends on oil and gas prices and advances in drilling technology. While overall growth is slow, opportunities will be best for engineers who specialize in hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and environmental remediation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a petroleum engineer?
The mean annual wage is $157,150, with a median of $144,910. Entry-level pay starts around $81,440, and top earners make $253,200.
How long does it take to become a petroleum engineer?
A bachelor's degree takes 4 years full-time. After that, you can start as an intern or junior engineer. A Professional Engineer (PE) license requires 4 years of experience and passing an exam.
Is petroleum engineering a good career in 2025?
It offers high pay, but job growth is slow at 1.3% over the next decade. About 1,200 openings per year exist, mostly from retirements. The field is sensitive to oil prices.
What are the highest paying states for petroleum engineers?
Alaska ($206,290), Utah ($172,840), Colorado ($172,190), Texas ($164,860), and Oklahoma ($153,020) are the top-paying states.
Do petroleum engineers need a license?
Yes, to offer services directly to the public, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. Most engineers start with an FE license and progress to PE after 4 years.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Petroleum Engineers data.