Engineering Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Kansas

The median petroleum engineer salary in Kansas is $114,666 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$114,666
vs National
$-17,134
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Petroleum Engineer salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $114,666 per year, petroleum engineers in Kansas earn $17,134 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $114,666 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $131,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $69,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $175,740 — a $106,140 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $126,528.

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 Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $73,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $169,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,080
$-10,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,580
$-17,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$169,650
$-25,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $69,600
25th Percentile $88,740
Median (50th) $114,666
75th Percentile $146,160
90th Percentile $175,740

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Kansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Kansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Kansas

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Kansas? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Kansas is $114,666 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $69,600 (10th percentile) to $175,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,666, a petroleum engineer in Kansas earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $73,080, while senior professionals earn $169,650.
How does Kansas compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Kansas's median of $114,666 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($115,984) and Alabama ($114,666).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Kansas earns approximately $73,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $116,580. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $169,650.
What city in Kansas pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $126,528. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.