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Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Utah

Petroleum Engineers in Utah command an impressive average annual salary of $170,420, substantially exceeding the national average of $154,300. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Utah's specialized energy sector demands and the unique operational landscape within the state, necessitating a higher pay scale to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $170,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 77.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $212,010.
  • Outlook: The job market for Petroleum Engineers in Utah appears robust, supported by a concentrated workforce of 380 professionals. A Location Quotient of 1.8 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Utah compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence that contributes to job stability and opportunity.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$170,420

The average Petroleum Engineers in Utah earns+10.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$81.9

Weekly

$3,277

Monthly

$14,202

Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Utah

Salary progression for Petroleum Engineers in Utah typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and project management capabilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles clearly signifies substantial career advancement and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$105,560$50.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$127,815$61.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$166,580$80.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$213,025$102.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$212,010$101.9

Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$170,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$163,081

Adjusted for COL (104.5)

The nominal average salary of $170,420 in Utah presents a strong financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 104.5. While slightly above the national average, this salary offers considerable purchasing power, suggesting that the higher cost of living is largely offset by the robust earning potential for Petroleum Engineers in the state.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

0.221

Per 1K Jobs

1.8

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Utah has 1.8x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.8, Utah's job market for Petroleum Engineers is notably concentrated, indicating a specialized demand that outpaces the national distribution. This suggests that while the absolute number of jobs might be smaller than in larger states, the relative abundance of opportunities for this specific profession is high, making it a competitive yet potentially rewarding market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Petroleum Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Petroleum Engineers Salary$154,220↓ 10%44 mi
Ogden, UT Petroleum Engineers Salary$148,730↓ 13%75 mi

Comparing salaries near Utah

Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Utah?

The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Utah is $170,420. This typically ranges from $105,560 for entry-level positions to $212,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Utah is 10.4% higher than the national median of $154,300.

Is Utah a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers?

Yes, Utah is a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers.Petroleum Engineers in Utah earn an average of $170,420 annually, significantly higher than the national average, and the state's specialized energy sector drives this demand.

Is Utah a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Utah is 104.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Utah?

Some top paying nearby cities include Salt Lake City-Murray, UT ($154,220) and Ogden, UT.

How does Utah's Petroleum Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Petroleum Engineers in Utah earn an average of $170,420 per year, which is $16,120 more than the national average salary of $154,300.

What is the concentration of Petroleum Engineers in Utah?

Utah has a higher concentration of Petroleum Engineers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.8. This suggests a specialized and robust local industry for this profession.

How does the cost of living in Utah affect a Petroleum Engineer's salary?

Utah's Cost of Living Index is 104.5, slightly above the national average. However, the high average salary of $170,420 for Petroleum Engineers means their purchasing power remains strong despite the slightly elevated living costs.

What is the total number of Petroleum Engineers in Utah?

There are approximately 380 Petroleum Engineers employed in Utah, reflecting a focused workforce within the state's energy sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Utah area with a job density of 0.221 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 Utah