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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA

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

Median Salary
$169,908
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$103,539
Starting salary
Senior Level
$232,297
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$103,539$169,908$232,297
Monthly$8,628$14,159$19,358
Biweekly$3,982$6,535$8,935
Weekly$1,991$3,267$4,467
Hourly$50$82$112

Seattle vs National Average

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

Seattle Salary
$169,908
COL Index: 147
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$66,708
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle 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
+42%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
-5%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
-29%
Houston, TX
$159,990
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Seattle, WA is $169,908 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $103,539 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $232,297 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 14.8% 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 Seattle, 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.