Petroleum Engineer Salary in Virginia
The median petroleum engineer salary in Virginia is $137,072 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $131,800.
Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for petroleum engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $137,072 per year, petroleum engineers in Virginia earn $5,272 more than the national median of $131,800.
Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning petroleum engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.
The salary spread in Virginia is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $83,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $210,080 — a $126,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $173,976.
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 Virginia by Experience
In Virginia, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,800 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in Virginia
| Percentile | VA Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $83,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,080 |
| Median (50th) | $137,072 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $210,080 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Virginia
The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Virginia
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Virginia
Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Petroleum Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $65,728 over your career trajectory.
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