Engineering Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Ohio

The median petroleum engineer salary in Ohio is $118,620 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$118,620
vs National
$-13,180
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Petroleum Engineer salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $118,620 per year, petroleum engineers in Ohio earn $13,180 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $118,620 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $131,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $72,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $181,800 — a $109,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $125,210.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $75,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,500 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,600
$-13,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,500
$-19,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $118,620
75th Percentile $151,200
90th Percentile $181,800

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Ohio

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Ohio? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Ohio is $118,620 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $181,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,620, a petroleum engineer in Ohio earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $75,600, while senior professionals earn $175,500.
How does Ohio compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Ohio's median of $118,620 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($118,620) and North Dakota ($118,620).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Ohio earns approximately $75,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $120,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $175,500.
What city in Ohio pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $125,210. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.