EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Petroleum Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$113,726/yr
Typical range: $110,594 – $132,723
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $113,726 | $9,477 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $138,095 | $11,508 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $154,342 | $12,862 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $174,812 | $14,568 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $224,202 | $18,684 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $263,193 | $21,933 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $272,941 | $22,745 | +140% |
Current Salary
$113,726
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$138,095
Junior · 2
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Petroleum Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $114K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Petroleum Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $114K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Petroleum Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $199K–$239K/yr.