Engineering Nevada (NV) Rank #21 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Nevada

The median petroleum engineer salary in Nevada 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
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Nevada (2026)

Nevada ranks #21 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Nevada 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 Nevada earn $3,954 less than the national median of $131,800.

Nevada'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 Nevada 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 Nevada for this role is Reno, where the median reaches $137,072.

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 Nevada by Experience

In Nevada, 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 Nevada 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 Nevada

Percentile NV 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 Nevada

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Nevada include Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and North Las Vegas. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Nevada

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Nevada

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Nevada

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Nevada? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Nevada 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 Nevada? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,846, a petroleum engineer in Nevada earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nevada a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Nevada ranks #21 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 Nevada compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Nevada's median of $127,846 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($127,846) and Minnesota ($127,846).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Nevada? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Nevada 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 Nevada pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Reno is the highest paying city in Nevada for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $137,072. Other cities include Las Vegas and Henderson.