EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Petroleum Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$159,825/yr
Typical range: $137,438 – $205,938
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $117,766 | $9,814 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $143,001 | $11,917 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,825 | $13,319 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $181,023 | $15,085 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $232,167 | $19,347 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $272,544 | $22,712 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $282,638 | $23,553 | +140% |
Current Salary
$159,825
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$181,023
Senior · 6
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Petroleum Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
3–5 Years Experience Petroleum Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $160K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Petroleum Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Austin, TX earns $206K–$247K/yr.