Engineering Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Hawaii

The median petroleum engineer salary in Hawaii is $224,060 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$224,060
vs National
+$92,260
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for petroleum engineers seeking high pay. At $224,060 per year, petroleum engineers in Hawaii earn $92,260 more than the national median of $131,800.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $224,060 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $131,800.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $136,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $343,400 — a $207,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $230,650.

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 Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $142,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $331,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$142,800
+$58,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$227,800
+$93,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$331,500
+$136,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $136,000
25th Percentile $173,400
Median (50th) $224,060
75th Percentile $285,600
90th Percentile $343,400

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Hawaii is $224,060 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $136,000 (10th percentile) to $343,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $224,060, a petroleum engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $142,800, while senior professionals earn $331,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Hawaii's median of $224,060 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($181,884) and Massachusetts ($177,930).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $142,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $227,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $331,500.
What city in Hawaii pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $230,650. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.