Engineering Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median petroleum engineer salary in Albuquerque, NM is $125,210 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$125,210
vs State Avg
+$2,636
vs National
$-6,590
Cost of Living
95%

Petroleum Engineer Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $125,210, which is $2,636 above the New Mexico state average of $122,574. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $191,900 at the 90th percentile — a $115,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,800, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,250. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $79,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,300
$-6,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,250
$-9,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $96,900
Median (50th) $125,210
75th Percentile $159,600
90th Percentile $191,900

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Albuquerque

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $125,210 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $191,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,210, a petroleum engineer in Albuquerque earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for petroleum engineer pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median petroleum engineer salary of $125,210 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $122,574. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a petroleum engineer salary of $125,210 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a petroleum engineer in Albuquerque? ▼
Most petroleum engineer positions in Albuquerque 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.