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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach, VA

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

Median Salary
$124,831
per year in Virginia Beach
Entry Level
$76,069
Starting salary
Senior Level
$170,667
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,069$124,831$170,667
Monthly$6,339$10,403$14,222
Biweekly$2,926$4,801$6,564
Weekly$1,463$2,401$3,282
Hourly$37$60$82

Virginia Beach vs National Average

How Virginia Beach's petroleum engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Virginia Beach Salary
$124,831
COL Index: 112
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,631
Higher in Virginia Beach

Cost of Living in Virginia Beach

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$67,234
per year
Population
459,841
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Virginia Beach 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
+93%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
+29%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
-3%
Houston, TX
$159,990
+28%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
-18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Virginia Beach, VA is $124,831 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Virginia Beach's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Virginia Beach can expect to earn around $76,069 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $170,667 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Virginia Beach's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 15.9% 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 Virginia Beach, 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.