Petroleum Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The median petroleum engineer salary in Chattanooga, TN is $115,984 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)
Chattanooga offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $115,984, which is $1,318 below the Tennessee state average of $117,302. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga an attractive option for petroleum engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Chattanooga 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. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Chattanooga by Experience
In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN
| Percentile | Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| 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 Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Chattanooga
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee 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 Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Chattanooga, TN: