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Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Oklahoma City, OK

Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK, command an impressive average annual salary of $175,470, significantly surpassing the national average of $154,300. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Oklahoma's rich energy sector and the specialized demand for these professionals within the region's robust oil and gas industry.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $175,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $263,205.
  • Outlook: The job market for Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 680 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.27 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$175,470

The average Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK earns+13.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$84.4

Weekly

$3,374

Monthly

$14,623

Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK

Salary progression for Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start lower, but mid-career and senior-level engineers can expect their earnings to climb substantially, with the top percentiles reflecting extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries underscores the clear career advancement potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$91,220$43.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$131,603$63.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$173,400$83.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$219,338$105.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$263,205$126.5

Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$175,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$175,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $175,470 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Petroleum Engineers relocating to Oklahoma City will find their nominal income translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means the high salary offers excellent financial stability and lifestyle opportunities without the burden of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

1.017

Per 1K Jobs

8.27

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Oklahoma City, OK has 8.3x 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 8.27 for Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City signifies an extraordinary concentration of these roles, far exceeding the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive market where demand significantly outstrips the general national distribution, making Oklahoma City a prime hub for this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Oklahoma City, OK?

The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK is $175,470. This typically ranges from $91,220 for entry-level positions to $263,205 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 13.7% higher than the national median of $154,300.

Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers?

Yes, Oklahoma City, OK is a highly lucrative location for Petroleum Engineers.The average salary of $175,470 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it an economically advantageous location.

Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($138,290) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local concentration of Petroleum Engineers compare nationally?

The Location Quotient of 8.27 indicates that Oklahoma City has over eight times the concentration of Petroleum Engineers compared to the national average, highlighting its status as a major hub for the profession.

What is the total number of Petroleum Engineers in Oklahoma City?

There are approximately 680 Petroleum Engineers employed in Oklahoma City, representing a significant portion of the local specialized workforce.

How does the cost of living in Oklahoma City affect the Petroleum Engineer salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the high salary of $175,470 offers excellent real purchasing power for Petroleum Engineers in the city.

What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' indicate for this role?

The figure of 1.017 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in Oklahoma City, slightly more than one is a Petroleum Engineer, reflecting a notable presence in the overall employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 1.017 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.