EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$282,298/yr
Typical range: $250,405 – $300,510
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $143,195 | $11,933 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $173,879 | $14,490 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $194,336 | $16,195 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $220,111 | $18,343 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $282,298 | $23,525 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $331,394 | $27,616 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $343,668 | $28,639 | +140% |
Current Salary
$282,298
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $136/hr
Next Level Target
$331,394
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $282K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $282K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $136/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $250K–$301K/yr.