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Reservoir Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Reservoir Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Reservoir Engineer I in the United States is $140,495 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

However, a Reservoir Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $159,894
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,671 to $150,649
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,175

Key Factors That Influence Reservoir Engineer I Salaries

A Reservoir Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Reservoir Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Reservoir Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Reservoir Engineer I (0-2 years): $140,495
  • Reservoir Engineer II (2-4 years): $163,187
  • Reservoir Engineer III (4-7 years): $182,122
  • Reservoir Engineer IV (7+ years): $230,327
  • Reservoir Engineer V (7-10 years): $264,958
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Reservoir Engineer I0-2 years$140,495
Reservoir Engineer II2-4 years$163,187
Reservoir Engineer III4-7 years$182,122
Reservoir Engineer IV7+ years$230,327
Reservoir Engineer V7-10 years$264,958

Top Paying Cities for Reservoir Engineer I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $177,206
  • San Francisco: $175,266
  • Oakland: $171,572

What Skills Can Increase a Reservoir Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Communication Skills (Mentioned in 9.09% Job Postings): Communication skills are your ability to share or understand information, ideas, and feelings successfully.
  • MATLAB (Mentioned in 9.09% Job Postings): a programming platform designed specifically for engineers and scientists to analyze and design systems and products that transform our world.
  • Programming Language (Mentioned in 9.09% Job Postings): Is any set of rules that converts strings, or graphical program elements in the case of visual programming languages, to various kinds of machine code output. It is a kind of computer language used in computer programming to implement algorithms.
Skills Demand Percentage
Communication Skills 9.09%
MATLAB 9.09%
Programming Language 9.09%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Reservoir Engineer I's salary.

  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 32%.
  • MATLAB: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • Programming Language: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Python $185,453
32%
MATLAB $181,239
29%
Programming Language $174,214
24%

Reservoir Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Reservoir Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $163,702. While startup companies pay approximate $138,635.

Reservoir Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $138,635
Growth Stage 51~500 $146,580
Established 501~5000 $158,142
Enterprise 5000+ $163,702

How Education impacts an Reservoir Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Reservoir Engineer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Reservoir Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,341 and $124,470.

Reservoir Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Reservoir Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 48.3%
High School 37.9%
Associates 13.8%
Bachelors 48.3%
Masters 37.9%
Doctorate 13.8%

Reservoir Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Reservoir Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$125,671
Average $140,495/year
$150,649
$10,473
Average $11,708/month
$12,554
$2,417
Average $2,702/week
$2,897
$60
Average $68/hour
$72
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $150,649 $12,554 $2,897 $72
Average $140,495 $11,708 $2,702 $68
25th Percentile $125,671 $10,473 $2,417 $60

Reservoir Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Reservoir Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Reservoir Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Drilling Engineer II $137,143 -2%
Reservoir Engineer II $163,187 16%
Mine Engineer II $94,590 -33%

Most common benefits for Reservoir Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Reservoir Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Reservoir Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Reservoir Engineer I

1. Where can a Reservoir Engineer I earn the most?

A Reservoir Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Reservoir Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Reservoir Engineer I is $177,206.

2. What is the highest pay for Reservoir Engineer I?

The highest pay for Reservoir Engineer I is $159,894.

3. What is the lowest pay for Reservoir Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Reservoir Engineer I is $112,175.

4. What are the responsibilities of Reservoir Engineer I?

Responsible for identifying oil and gas reserves and developing strategies to maximize recovery. Leverages engineering tools and principles to design and test new techniques or technology to improve reservoir performance and efficiency. Conducts reserve assessments and forecasts reservoir performance to assist with operational planning or expansion opportunities. Provides technical support and knowledge to optimize and maximize production and recommends improvements to equipment, strategies, or processes. Utilizes analytical models and simulations to determine optimal exploitation methods, design equipment, and evaluate drilling and depletion strategies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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