Home / City Job Salaries / Petroleum Engineer in Arlington

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Arlington, VA

How much does a petroleum engineer make in Arlington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$172,757
per year in Arlington
Entry Level
$105,275
Starting salary
Senior Level
$236,191
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
155
55% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how petroleum engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Arlington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$105,275$172,757$236,191
Monthly$8,773$14,396$19,683
Biweekly$4,049$6,645$9,084
Weekly$2,025$3,322$4,542
Hourly$51$83$114

Arlington vs National Average

How Arlington's petroleum engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Arlington Salary
$172,757
COL Index: 155
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$69,557
Higher in Arlington

Cost of Living in Arlington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$120,456
per year
Population
238,643
residents
Rent % of Income
20.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 155 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Arlington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Petroleum Engineer

Overview

Design and develop oil and gas extraction and processing systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingProduction SystemsCost Analysis

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Petroleum Engineer Salary

See Petroleum Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$241,230
+40%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
-7%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
-30%
Houston, TX
$159,990
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
-40%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a petroleum engineer salary in Arlington.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Arlington.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Arlington.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Arlington, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Arlington, VA is $172,757 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 155. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Arlington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Arlington can expect to earn around $105,275 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $236,191 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Arlington's cost of living index of 155 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Arlington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $103,200, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a petroleum engineer's salary in Arlington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 14.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Petroleum Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Arlington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.