EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$263,635/yr
Typical range: $233,851 – $280,643
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $133,728 | $11,144 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $162,384 | $13,532 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $181,488 | $15,124 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $205,559 | $17,130 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $263,635 | $21,970 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $309,485 | $25,790 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $320,947 | $26,746 | +140% |
Current Salary
$263,635
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $127/hr
Next Level Target
$309,485
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $264K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $264K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $127/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Boston, MA earns $234K–$281K/yr.