What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Houston, Texas?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Houston metropolitan area is $159,990.

Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Petroleum Engineers?

The Houston metro median is +4.4% versus the Texas state median of $153,200.

How does Houston compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?

The Houston metro median is +9.0% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.

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.

Petroleum Engineers Salary in Houston, Texas

Median annual$159,990

Mean annual$163,470

Range (10th to 90th)Not published

Houston, Texas employment5,080

State vs national+9.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Houston petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

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)

01
Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
02
Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
03
Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
04
Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
05
Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
06
Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
07
Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.
08
Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.

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Other metros in Texas

How the Houston metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for petroleum engineers.

Austin$184,250
Dallas$154,490
San Antonio$122,980

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Houston, Texas?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Houston metropolitan area is $159,990.
Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Petroleum Engineers?: The Houston metro median is +4.4% versus the Texas state median of $153,200.
How does Houston compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?: The Houston metro median is +9.0% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.
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 Houston 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.