Petroleum Engineer Salary in Arlington, Virginia
The median petroleum engineer salary in Arlington, VA is $173,976 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)
Arlington offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $173,976, which is $36,904 above the Virginia state average of $137,072. Compared to the national median of $131,800, Arlington pays above average for this role.
However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $173,976 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,800. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Arlington spans from $105,600 at the 10th percentile to $266,640 at the 90th percentile — a $161,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,880, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $257,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Arlington by Experience
In Arlington, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $110,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $257,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA
| Percentile | Arlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $105,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,640 |
| Median (50th) | $173,976 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $266,640 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Arlington
Education
Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Arlington
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Arlington, VA: