Petroleum Engineer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee
The median petroleum engineer salary in Memphis, TN is $113,348 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)
Memphis offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $113,348, which is $3,954 below the Tennessee state average of $117,302. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $113,348 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $131,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for petroleum engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Memphis spans from $68,800 at the 10th percentile to $173,720 at the 90th percentile — a $104,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,240, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,700. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Memphis by Experience
In Memphis, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $72,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN
| Percentile | Memphis |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,720 |
| Median (50th) | $113,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $173,720 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Memphis
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Memphis 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Memphis
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Memphis, TN: