EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,572/yr
Typical range: $180,573 – $216,705
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $103,261 | $8,605 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,389 | $10,449 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,140 | $11,678 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,727 | $13,227 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,572 | $16,964 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $238,976 | $19,915 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $247,827 | $20,652 | +140% |
Current Salary
$203,572
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$238,976
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $204K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $181K–$217K/yr.