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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA

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

Median Salary
$82,354
per year in Wilkes-Barre
Entry Level
$50,185
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,593
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how petroleum engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Wilkes-Barre.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,185$82,354$112,593
Monthly$4,182$6,863$9,383
Biweekly$1,930$3,167$4,331
Weekly$965$1,584$2,165
Hourly$24$40$54

Wilkes-Barre vs National Average

How Wilkes-Barre's petroleum engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Wilkes-Barre Salary
$82,354
COL Index: 84
National Average
$103,200
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,846
Lower in Wilkes-Barre

Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$32,580
per year
Population
44,328
residents
Rent % of Income
29.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wilkes-Barre 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
+193%
Los Angeles, CA
$161,320
+96%
Chicago, IL
$121,363
+47%
Houston, TX
$159,990
+94%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,942
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a petroleum engineer in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $82,354 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wilkes-Barre's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level petroleum engineer professionals in Wilkes-Barre can expect to earn around $50,185 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level petroleum engineers earning approximately $112,593 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wilkes-Barre's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 11.7% 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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.