Petroleum Engineer Salary in Columbus, Ohio
The median petroleum engineer salary in Columbus, OH is $125,210 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)
Columbus offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $125,210, which is $6,590 above the Ohio state average of $118,620. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Columbus'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 Columbus 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 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Columbus by Experience
In Columbus, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH
| Percentile | Columbus |
|---|---|
| 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 Ohio Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Columbus
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Columbus
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Columbus, OH: