Engineering Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Mississippi

The median petroleum engineer salary in Mississippi is $109,394 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$109,394
vs National
$-22,406
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Petroleum Engineer salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $109,394 per year, petroleum engineers in Mississippi earn $22,406 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $109,394 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $131,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $66,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $167,660 — a $101,260 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $112,030.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $69,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,850 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,720
$-14,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,220
$-22,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,850
$-33,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $66,400
25th Percentile $84,660
Median (50th) $109,394
75th Percentile $139,440
90th Percentile $167,660

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Mississippi? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Mississippi is $109,394 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $66,400 (10th percentile) to $167,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,394, a petroleum engineer in Mississippi earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $69,720, while senior professionals earn $161,850.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Mississippi's median of $109,394 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($110,712) and West Virginia ($110,712).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Mississippi earns approximately $69,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,220. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,850.
What city in Mississippi pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $112,030. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.