EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$232,167/yr
Typical range: $205,938 – $247,145
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,825 | $13,319 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $181,023 | $15,085 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$232,167
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $112/hr
Next Level Target
$272,544
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $232K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $232K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $112/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.