Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Petroleum Engineers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $177,460. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $154,300, indicating a strong local demand for specialized skills in this sector. The robust compensation reflects the region's critical role in energy production and the specialized expertise required.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $177,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $266,190.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area demonstrates a robust job market for Petroleum Engineers, with a total local workforce of 790 individuals. This concentration, reflected in a Location Quotient of 3.95, suggests a significantly higher presence of these professionals compared to the national average, pointing to sustained demand and industry importance within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+15.0%above the national average.
$85.3
$3,413
$14,788
Petroleum Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as evolving extraction technologies, global energy demands, and regional economic development typically drive upward salary trends in specialized engineering fields.
Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and technical expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $89,990 | $43.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $133,095 | $64 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $168,740 | $81.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $221,825 | $106.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $266,190 | $128 |
Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$177,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$177,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $177,460 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Petroleum Engineers relocating to Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly into purchasing power. This means the higher salary offers a substantial advantage in terms of disposable income and overall financial well-being within the local economy.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
0.486
Per 1K Jobs
3.95
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 4.0x the national concentration of Petroleum Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.95 for Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is exceptionally high, indicating a market that is nearly four times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive environment where demand for these professionals is significantly elevated, making it a prime location for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $177,460. This typically ranges from $89,990 for entry-level positions to $266,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 15.0% higher than the national median of $154,300.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a highly lucrative location for Petroleum Engineers.Petroleum Engineers here earn substantially more than the national average, with their high salaries maintaining strong purchasing power due to a Cost of Living Index at the national average.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 790 Petroleum Engineers, coupled with a high Location Quotient, suggests a strong and established industry presence, indicating consistent demand and potential for career growth within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.95 mean for Petroleum Engineers?
A Location Quotient of 3.95 signifies that Petroleum Engineers are significantly more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO than the national average, pointing to a specialized and robust job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100, meaning that the higher salaries earned by Petroleum Engineers translate directly into greater disposable income compared to the national average.
Are there many job openings for Petroleum Engineers in this area?
While the exact number of openings isn't provided, the high concentration (LQ of 3.95) and substantial local workforce suggest a healthy demand for Petroleum Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.486 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO