Engineering Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median petroleum engineer salary in Massachusetts is $177,930 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$177,930
vs National
+$46,130
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for petroleum engineers seeking high pay. At $177,930 per year, petroleum engineers in Massachusetts earn $46,130 more than the national median of $131,800.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $177,930 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $131,800.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $108,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $272,700 — a $164,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $210,880.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $113,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $263,250 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$113,400
+$29,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$180,900
+$46,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$263,250
+$68,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $108,000
25th Percentile $137,700
Median (50th) $177,930
75th Percentile $226,800
90th Percentile $272,700

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Data shows Petroleum Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $85,320 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Massachusetts is $177,930 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $108,000 (10th percentile) to $272,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $177,930, a petroleum engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $86 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $113,400, while senior professionals earn $263,250.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Massachusetts's median of $177,930 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($224,060) and California ($181,884).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $113,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $180,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $263,250.
What city in Massachusetts pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $210,880. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.