Petroleum Engineer Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania
The median petroleum engineer salary in Reading, PA is $115,984 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)
Reading offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $115,984, which is $10,544 below the Pennsylvania state average of $126,528. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $115,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $131,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for petroleum engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Reading spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $177,760 at the 90th percentile — a $107,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,920, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Reading by Experience
In Reading, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $73,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA
| Percentile | Reading |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,760 |
| Median (50th) | $115,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $177,760 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Reading
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Reading and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Reading
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Reading, PA: