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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Petroleum Engineers salary in Denver, Colorado

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Denver metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated June 12, 2026
Median annual$174,580
Mean annual$179,920
Range (10th to 90th)$95,090 to $283,790
Denver, Colorado employment900
State vs national+19.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Denver petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$95,09025TH$119,890MEDIAN$174,58075TH$214,50090TH$283,790

The middle 50% of workers earn between $119,890 and $214,500, with a median of $174,580.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.

  2. 02

    Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.

  3. 03

    Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.

  4. 04

    Maintain records of drilling and production operations.

  5. 05

    Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.

  6. 06

    Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.

  7. 07

    Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.

  8. 08

    Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Denver, Colorado?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Denver metropolitan area is $174,580.
Does Denver pay more than the Colorado state average for Petroleum Engineers?
The Denver metro median is +1.4% versus the Colorado state median of $172,190.
How does Denver compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?
The Denver metro median is +19.6% versus the BLS national figure of $145,981.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in Denver?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $95,090 and the 90th-percentile at $283,790 for the Denver metro area.
What education is required for Petroleum Engineers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Denver CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.