Petroleum Engineer Salary in Columbia, Missouri
The median petroleum engineer salary in Columbia, MO is $115,984 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $115,984, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $115,984. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $115,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $131,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for petroleum engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Columbia spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $177,760 at the 90th percentile — a $107,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,920, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,600. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $73,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,760 |
| Median (50th) | $115,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $177,760 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Columbia
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Columbia
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Columbia, MO: