Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median petroleum engineer salary in Michigan is $125,210 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$125,210
vs National
$-6,590
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for petroleum engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $125,210 per year, petroleum engineers in Michigan earn $6,590 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $125,210 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $139,122 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $76,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $191,900 — a $115,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $144,980.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $79,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,250 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,300
$-6,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,250
$-9,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $96,900
Median (50th) $125,210
75th Percentile $159,600
90th Percentile $191,900

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Michigan is $125,210 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $191,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,210, a petroleum engineer in Michigan earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $79,800, while senior professionals earn $185,250.
How does Michigan compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Michigan's median of $125,210 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($126,528) and Illinois ($125,210).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Michigan earns approximately $79,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $127,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $185,250.
What city in Michigan pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $144,980. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.