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Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Texas

Petroleum Engineers in Texas command an impressive average annual salary of $158,990, notably higher than the national average of $154,300. This elevated compensation is directly influenced by Texas's significant role as a hub for the oil and gas industry, driving demand and specialized pay for these critical engineering roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $158,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,340.
  • Outlook: The job market for Petroleum Engineers in Texas appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 10,640 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 6.25, Texas significantly outpaces the national concentration of these professionals, indicating a strong and sustained demand for their expertise within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$158,990

The average Petroleum Engineers in Texas earns+3.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.4

Weekly

$3,058

Monthly

$13,249

Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Texas

Salary progression for Petroleum Engineers in Texas typically shows a significant increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and technical expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory and increasing value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$83,750$40.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$119,243$57.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$153,200$73.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$198,738$95.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$232,340$111.7

Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$158,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$170,957

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $158,990 in Texas offers substantial purchasing power, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is 93, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates into a higher real income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and greater savings potential compared to more expensive states.

Job Market Context

10,640

Total Jobs

0.769

Per 1K Jobs

6.25

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Texas has 6.3x 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.

A Location Quotient of 6.25 signifies that Petroleum Engineers are exceptionally concentrated in Texas compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a highly specialized and competitive market, where employers actively seek out talent with specific regional industry knowledge and experience, and where the sheer volume of opportunities supports higher compensation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Petroleum Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Petroleum Engineers Salary$198,060↑ 25%53 mi
College Station-Bryan, TX Petroleum Engineers Salary$132,710↓ 17%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Texas is $158,990. This typically ranges from $83,750 for entry-level positions to $232,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 3.0% higher than the national median of $154,300.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers?

Yes, Texas is a highly lucrative state for Petroleum Engineers.With an average salary significantly above the national average and a cost of living below the national average, Petroleum Engineers in Texas enjoy strong earning potential and purchasing power.

Is Texas a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX ($198,060) and College Station-Bryan, TX.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?

Petroleum Engineers in Texas earn an average of $158,990 annually, which is $4,690 higher than the national average of $154,300.

What is the concentration of Petroleum Engineers in Texas?

Texas has a very high concentration of Petroleum Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 6.25, meaning there are over six times the national average of these professionals per worker.

How does the cost of living in Texas affect salary perception?

The cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average (index of 93), making the $158,990 salary provide greater real value and purchasing power for Petroleum Engineers.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?

With 0.769 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric highlights the significant presence and demand for Petroleum Engineers within the Texas labor market relative to the overall workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,640 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.769 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas