EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Petroleum Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$180,538/yr
Typical range: $205,386 – $246,482
P75 · 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 | $117,450 | $9,788 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $142,618 | $11,885 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,397 | $13,283 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $180,538 | $15,045 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $231,545 | $19,295 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $271,813 | $22,651 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $281,880 | $23,490 | +140% |
Current Salary
$180,538
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$231,545
Staff · 10
+$51Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Petroleum Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Senior Petroleum Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $181K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $181K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior 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 $205K–$246K/yr.