As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Petroleum Engineering in Gilroy, CA is $129,031 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Petroleum Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Petroleum Engineering'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Petroleum Engineering'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 |
|---|---|
| Petroleum... Level Petroleum Engineering | $132,153 |
| Drilling ... Level Petroleum Engineering | $155,502 |
| Drilling ... Level Petroleum Engineering | $192,699 |
| Drilling ... Level Petroleum Engineering | $214,504 |
| Drilling ... Level Petroleum Engineering | $256,173 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.7% |
| FOCUS | 2.61% |
| Safety Management | 2.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$169,031 |
31%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$156,127 |
21%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$152,256 |
18%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$149,676 |
16%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$144,515 |
12%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$143,224 |
11%
|
For Petroleum Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 52% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Finance & Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Petroleum Engineering positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Petroleum Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $167,740 | $81.0 | 30% |
| Finance & Insurance | $161,289 | $78.0 | 25% |
| Information Technology | $154,837 | $74.0 | 20% |
| Mining | $148,386 | $71.0 | 15% |
| Professional Services | $135,482 | $65.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Petroleum Engineering'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Petroleum Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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