Engineering Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median petroleum engineer salary in Kansas City, MO is $121,256 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$121,256
vs State Avg
+$5,272
vs National
$-10,544
Cost of Living
92%

Petroleum Engineer Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $121,256, which is $5,272 above the Missouri state average of $115,984. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for petroleum engineers in Kansas City spans from $73,600 at the 10th percentile to $185,840 at the 90th percentile — a $112,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,280, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,400. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $77,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,280
$-10,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $73,600
25th Percentile $93,840
Median (50th) $121,256
75th Percentile $154,560
90th Percentile $185,840

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Kansas City

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Kansas City, MO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $121,256 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $73,600 (10th percentile) to $185,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,256, a petroleum engineer in Kansas City earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for petroleum engineer pay? ▼
Kansas City's median petroleum engineer salary of $121,256 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $115,984. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a petroleum engineer salary of $121,256 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a petroleum engineer in Kansas City? ▼
Most petroleum engineer positions in Kansas City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling, Geology, Simulation Software. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.