Petroleum Engineer Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $145,720/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $110,353/year take-home — 24.3% effective rate.
Petroleum Engineer Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000 | $71,701 | $5,975 | 20.3% |
| 25th Percentile | $115,000 | $89,289 | $7,441 | 22.4% |
| MedianBLS Median | $145,720 | $110,353 | $9,196 | 24.3% |
| 75th Percentile | $190,000 | $141,480 | $11,790 | 25.5% |
| 90th Percentile | $240,000 | $176,179 | $14,682 | 26.6% |
| Senior Level | $210,000 | $156,300 | $13,025 | 25.6% |
Petroleum Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $157,742 | $118,570 | $9,881 | 24.8% |
| Oklahoma | $155,192 | $109,644 | $9,137 | 29.3% |
| Wyoming | $157,378 | $118,321 | $9,860 | 24.8% |
| Colorado | $162,114 | $114,425 | $9,535 | 29.4% |
| North Dakota | $156,649 | $115,047 | $9,587 | 26.6% |
About This Career
Petroleum engineers develop methods to extract oil and gas efficiently, with Texas and the Permian Basin dominating employment. The highest-paid engineering specialty by BLS data, though oil price volatility creates boom-bust hiring cycles that have produced significant layoffs in downcycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in the US?+
The national median Petroleum Engineer salary is $145,720 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $115,000 and $190,000, while the top 10% earn over $240,000.
How much does a Petroleum Engineer take home after taxes?+
A Petroleum Engineer earning the median $145,720 takes home approximately $110,353 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Petroleum Engineers earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Petroleum Engineers are Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming. Top cities include Houston, Midland, Oklahoma City, where salaries can exceed $190,000 for experienced professionals.