As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Petroleum Engineer Graduate in the United States is $104,478 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Petroleum Engineer Graduate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Petroleum Engineer Graduate'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Petroleum Engineer Graduate'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| HR Busine... Level Petroleum Engineer Graduate | $120,961 |
| HR Busine... Level Petroleum Engineer Graduate | $152,398 |
| Petroleum... Level Petroleum Engineer Graduate | $107,030 |
| HR Busine... Level Petroleum Engineer Graduate | $137,978 |
| HR Busine... Level Petroleum Engineer Graduate | $160,914 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Petroleum Engineer Graduates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Petroleum Engineer Graduate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 33% above the average. In contrast, Petroleum Engineer Graduate positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Petroleum Engineer Graduate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $138,956 | $67.0 | 33% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $133,732 | $64.0 | 28% |
| Financial Services | $128,508 | $62.0 | 23% |
| Biotechnology | $123,284 | $59.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $123,284 | $59.0 | 18% |
Understanding how a Petroleum Engineer Graduate'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, 2026Salaries for a Petroleum Engineer Graduate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,902 in 2023 to around $92,154 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Petroleum Engineer Graduate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $92,902 |
| 2024 | $92,617 |
| 2025 | $92,154 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Petroleum Engineer Graduate roles, with salaries approximately 33% above the market median.
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