Engineering Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Minnesota

The median petroleum engineer salary in Minnesota is $127,846 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$127,846
vs National
$-3,954
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for petroleum engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $127,846 per year, petroleum engineers in Minnesota earn $3,954 less than the national median of $131,800.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning petroleum engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $77,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $195,940 — a $118,340 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $138,390.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $81,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,150 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,480
$-2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,980
$-4,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,150
$-5,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $77,600
25th Percentile $98,940
Median (50th) $127,846
75th Percentile $162,960
90th Percentile $195,940

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Minnesota is $127,846 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $77,600 (10th percentile) to $195,940 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,846, a petroleum engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $81,480, while senior professionals earn $189,150.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Minnesota's median of $127,846 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($129,164) and Arizona ($127,846).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $81,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $129,980. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $189,150.
What city in Minnesota pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $138,390. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.