Engineering Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median petroleum engineer salary in Wisconsin is $121,256 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$121,256
vs National
$-10,544
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Petroleum Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer compensation. Petroleum Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $121,256 per year, petroleum engineers in Wisconsin earn $10,544 less than the national median of $131,800.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $121,256 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $131,800 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: petroleum engineers at the 10th percentile earn $73,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $185,840 — a $112,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $131,800.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $77,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,280
$-10,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,400
$-15,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $73,600
25th Percentile $93,840
Median (50th) $121,256
75th Percentile $154,560
90th Percentile $185,840

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Petroleum Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median petroleum engineer salary in Wisconsin is $121,256 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $131,800. Salaries range from $73,600 (10th percentile) to $185,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,256, a petroleum engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for petroleum engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for petroleum engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level petroleum engineers earn $77,280, while senior professionals earn $179,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for petroleum engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for petroleum engineers is Hawaii at $224,060. Wisconsin's median of $121,256 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($121,256) and Texas ($121,256).
What is the entry-level petroleum engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level petroleum engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $77,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $123,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $179,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays petroleum engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for petroleum engineers, with a median salary of $131,800. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.