Petroleum Engineer Salary in Salem, Oregon
The median petroleum engineer salary in Salem, OR is $134,436 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)
Salem offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $134,436, which is $10,544 below the Oregon state average of $144,980. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Salem pays above average for this role.
Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $81,600 at the 10th percentile to $206,040 at the 90th percentile — a $124,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,680, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,900. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Salem by Experience
In Salem, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $85,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR
| Percentile | Salem |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,436 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $206,040 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Salem
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Salem
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Salem, OR: