Engineering Idaho (ID) Rank #27 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Idaho

The median petroleum engineer salary in Idaho is $123,892 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$123,892
vs National
$-7,908
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #27 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Petroleum Engineer salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $123,892 per year, petroleum engineers in Idaho earn $7,908 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $123,892 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $131,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $75,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $189,880 — a $114,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $131,800.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $78,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $183,300 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,960
$-8,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$183,300
$-11,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $75,200
25th Percentile $95,880
Median (50th) $123,892
75th Percentile $157,920
90th Percentile $189,880

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Idaho

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Idaho? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Idaho is $123,892 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $75,200 (10th percentile) to $189,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,892, a petroleum engineer in Idaho earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Idaho ranks #27 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $78,960, while senior professionals earn $183,300.
How does Idaho compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Idaho's median of $123,892 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($125,210) and Montana ($125,210).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Idaho earns approximately $78,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $125,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $183,300.
What city in Idaho pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $131,800. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.