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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Tucson, AZ

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

Median Salary
$97,060
per year in Tucson
Entry Level
$59,146
Starting salary
Senior Level
$132,699
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,146$97,060$132,699
Monthly$4,929$8,088$11,058
Biweekly$2,275$3,733$5,104
Weekly$1,137$1,867$2,552
Hourly$28$47$64

Tucson vs National Average

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

Tucson Salary
$97,060
COL Index: 99
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$6,140
Lower in Tucson

Cost of Living in Tucson

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$52,456
per year
Population
525,796
residents
Rent % of Income
29.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tucson 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
+149%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
+66%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
+25%
Houston, TX
$159,990
+65%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
+6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Tucson, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Tucson, AZ is $97,060 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tucson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Tucson can expect to earn around $59,146 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $132,699 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tucson's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Tucson 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 Tucson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 16.1% 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 Tucson, 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.