Petroleum Engineer Salary in Fargo, ND: $123,892 (2026)

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

Fargo offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $123,892, which is $5,272 above the North Dakota state average of $118,620. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $75,200 at the 10th percentile to $189,880 at the 90th percentile — a $114,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,960, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $183,300. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $78,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $183,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$78,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$125,960

$-8,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$183,300

$-11,700 vs national

Percentile	Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$75,200	$72,000	$80,000
25th Percentile	$95,880	$91,800	$102,000
Median (50th)	$123,892	$118,620	$131,800
75th Percentile	$157,920	$151,200	$168,000
90th Percentile	$189,880	$181,800	$202,000

Percentile

Fargo

10th Percentile

$75,200

25th Percentile

$95,880

Median (50th)

$123,892

75th Percentile

$157,920

90th Percentile

$189,880

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Fargo

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Fargo

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Fargo, ND? ▼

The median petroleum engineer salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $123,892 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $75,200 (10th percentile) to $189,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $123,892, a petroleum engineer in Fargo earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for petroleum engineer pay? ▼

Fargo's median petroleum engineer salary of $123,892 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $118,620. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼

Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a petroleum engineer salary of $123,892 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a petroleum engineer in Fargo? ▼

Most petroleum engineer positions in Fargo 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.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Fargo, North Dakota