Engineering Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Delaware

The median petroleum engineer salary in Delaware is $133,118 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$133,118
vs National
+$1,318
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for petroleum engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $133,118 per year, petroleum engineers in Delaware earn $1,318 more than the national median of $131,800.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning petroleum engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $80,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $204,020 — a $123,220 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $138,390.

Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for petroleum engineers across the country.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $84,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $196,950 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,840
+$840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,340
+$1,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$196,950
+$1,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $80,800
25th Percentile $103,020
Median (50th) $133,118
75th Percentile $169,680
90th Percentile $204,020

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Delaware

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Delaware? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Delaware is $133,118 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $80,800 (10th percentile) to $204,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,118, a petroleum engineer in Delaware earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $84,840, while senior professionals earn $196,950.
How does Delaware compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Delaware's median of $133,118 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($138,390) and Virginia ($137,072).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Delaware earns approximately $84,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $135,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $196,950.
What city in Delaware pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $138,390. Other cities include Dover and Newark.