EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$242,024/yr
Typical range: $214,681 – $257,638
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $122,766 | $10,231 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $149,073 | $12,423 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,611 | $13,884 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,709 | $15,726 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $242,024 | $20,169 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $284,116 | $23,676 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $294,638 | $24,553 | +140% |
Current Salary
$242,024
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$284,116
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $242K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $242K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $215K–$258K/yr.