Petroleum Engineer Salary in Lexington, Kentucky
The median petroleum engineer salary in Lexington, KY is $122,574 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)
Lexington offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $122,574, which is $7,908 above the Kentucky state average of $114,666. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Lexington's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Lexington spans from $74,400 at the 10th percentile to $187,860 at the 90th percentile — a $113,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,120, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,350. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Lexington by Experience
In Lexington, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $78,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY
| Percentile | Lexington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,860 |
| Median (50th) | $122,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $187,860 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Lexington
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Lexington
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Lexington, KY: