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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Petroleum Engineers salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia 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$114,460
Mean annual$122,180
Range (10th to 90th)$78,140 to $166,770
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment80
State vs national-22.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$78,14025TH$83,230MEDIAN$114,46075TH$142,73090TH$166,770

The middle 50% of workers earn between $83,230 and $142,730, with a median of $114,460.

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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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for petroleum engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $114,460.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Petroleum Engineers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +23.2% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $92,930.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?
The Philadelphia metro median is -22.0% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,140 and the 90th-percentile at $166,770 for the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.