Engineering Oregon (OR) Rank #10 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Oregon

The median petroleum engineer salary in Oregon is $144,980 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$144,980
vs National
+$13,180
State Rank
#10 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Oregon (2026)

Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. This places Oregon in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for petroleum engineers seeking high pay. At $144,980 per year, petroleum engineers in Oregon earn $13,180 more than the national median of $131,800.

It's worth noting that Oregon's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $144,980 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $131,800.

The salary spread in Oregon is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $88,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $222,200 — a $134,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oregon for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $155,524.

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 Oregon by Experience

In Oregon, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $92,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $214,500 per year. The cost of living index in Oregon is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,400
+$8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,400
+$13,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$214,500
+$19,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oregon

Percentile OR Salary
10th Percentile $88,000
25th Percentile $112,200
Median (50th) $144,980
75th Percentile $184,800
90th Percentile $222,200

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Oregon

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Oregon include Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Gresham. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Oregon

Education

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

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Oregon

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Oregon

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Oregon? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Oregon is $144,980 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $88,000 (10th percentile) to $222,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Oregon? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,980, a petroleum engineer in Oregon earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oregon a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $92,400, while senior professionals earn $214,500.
How does Oregon compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Oregon's median of $144,980 ranks #10 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($147,616) and Maryland ($144,980).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Oregon? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Oregon earns approximately $92,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $147,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $214,500.
What city in Oregon pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Oregon for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $155,524. Other cities include Salem and Eugene.