Home / City Job Salaries / Petroleum Engineer in Knoxville

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Knoxville, TN

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

Median Salary
$90,352
per year in Knoxville
Entry Level
$55,058
Starting salary
Senior Level
$123,528
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,058$90,352$123,528
Monthly$4,588$7,529$10,294
Biweekly$2,118$3,475$4,751
Weekly$1,059$1,738$2,376
Hourly$26$43$59

Knoxville vs National Average

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

Knoxville Salary
$90,352
COL Index: 103
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,848
Lower in Knoxville

Cost of Living in Knoxville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
187,603
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Knoxville 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
+167%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
+79%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
+34%
Houston, TX
$159,990
+77%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
+14%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Knoxville.

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 Knoxville.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Knoxville, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Knoxville, TN is $90,352 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Knoxville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Knoxville can expect to earn around $55,058 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $123,528 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Knoxville's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Knoxville 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 Knoxville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 17.9% 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 Knoxville, 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.