EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$287,577/yr
Typical range: $255,087 – $306,129
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $145,872 | $12,156 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $177,131 | $14,761 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $197,970 | $16,498 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $224,227 | $18,686 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $287,577 | $23,965 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $337,590 | $28,133 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $350,094 | $29,175 | +140% |
Current Salary
$287,577
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $138/hr
Next Level Target
$337,590
Principal · 14
+$50Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $288K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $288K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $138/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $255K–$306K/yr.