EngineeringGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$219,368/yr
Typical range: $194,584 – $233,519
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Petroleum Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Petroleum Engineer Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $111,273 | $9,273 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $135,118 | $11,260 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $151,014 | $12,585 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $171,043 | $14,254 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $219,368 | $18,281 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $257,518 | $21,460 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $267,056 | $22,255 | +140% |
Current Salary
$219,368
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $105/hr
Next Level Target
$257,518
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Petroleum Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Petroleum Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $219K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $219K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $105/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Petroleum Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Petroleum Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $195K–$234K/yr.