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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Petroleum Engineers salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the New Orleans 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 April 30, 2026
Median annual$143,400
Mean annual$151,350
Range (10th to 90th)$69,280 to $228,980
New Orleans, Louisiana employment360
State vs national-2.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New Orleans petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$69,28025TH$123,720MEDIAN$143,40075TH$172,57090TH$228,980

The middle 50% of workers earn between $123,720 and $172,570, with a median of $143,400.

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 New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the New Orleans metropolitan area is $143,400.
Does New Orleans pay more than the Louisiana state average for Petroleum Engineers?
The New Orleans metro median is +6.5% versus the Louisiana state median of $134,630.
How does New Orleans compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?
The New Orleans metro median is -2.3% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in New Orleans?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $69,280 and the 90th-percentile at $228,980 for the New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.