Petroleum Engineers Salary by State
The national median pay for petroleum engineers is $144,910 a year. By state, it ranges from $93,360 in West Virginia to $206,290 in Alaska.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $81,440
- 25th percentile
- $106,270
- Median
- $144,910
- 75th percentile
- $197,920
- Top 10%
- $253,200
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 18,060 jobs.
Median pay in 16 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $206,290 | +42% | $129,150 | $277,360 | 280 |
| 2 | Utah | $172,840 | +19% | $101,490 | $212,590 | 280 |
| 3 | Colorado | $172,190 | +19% | $92,590 | $264,960 | 1,390 |
| 4 | Texas | $164,860 | +14% | $89,990 | $283,500 | 9,140 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | $153,020 | +6% | $86,990 | $221,320 | 1,450 |
| 6 | California | $143,590 | −1% | $61,780 | $207,370 | 1,060 |
| 7 | Louisiana | $139,640 | −4% | $43,440 | $221,800 | 710 |
| 8 | Washington | $134,800 | −7% | $107,690 | $184,360 | 190 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $132,120 | −9% | $82,530 | $170,040 | 130 |
| 10 | Kansas | $115,640 | −20% | $65,510 | $195,300 | 110 |
| 11 | Montana | $104,060 | −28% | $77,450 | $155,590 | Not published |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $101,880 | −30% | $77,220 | $175,130 | 600 |
| 13 | Nebraska | $100,800 | −30% | $80,880 | $165,490 | 150 |
| 14 | New Mexico | $99,900 | −31% | $76,140 | $151,750 | 260 |
| 15 | Ohio | $99,260 | −32% | $79,010 | $139,440 | 200 |
| 16 | West Virginia | $93,360 | −36% | $79,860 | $220,130 | 380 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Petroleum Engineers salary questions
Which state pays petroleum engineers the most?
Alaska, with a median of $206,290 a year (+42% vs. the national median of $144,910). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays petroleum engineers the least?
West Virginia, with a median of $93,360 a year (−36% vs. national).
Where do most petroleum engineers work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 9,140, with a median of $164,860.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.