Colorado Median
$172,190
per year
Hourly Rate
$82.78
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+19% vs US median
US median $144,910
State Rank
#3 of 16
1,390 employed here
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Colorado?
A Petroleum Engineer working in Colorado earns a median salary of $172,190 per year, or about $82.78 per hour. That is 19% above the national median of $144,910 for this occupation.
Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $92,590 while the top 10% make $264,960 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $112,070 and $214,220 a year.
Petroleum Engineer salary range in Colorado
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $92,590 | $44.51 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $112,070 | $53.88 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $172,190 | $82.78 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $214,220 | $102.99 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $264,960 | $127.38 |
|
How Colorado compares
Colorado ranks 3rd out of 16 states and territories for Petroleum Engineer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Petroleum Engineer salary in other states
Alaska $206,290Utah $172,840Texas $164,860Oklahoma $153,020California $143,590Louisiana $139,640Washington $134,800North Dakota $132,120Kansas $115,640Montana $104,060Pennsylvania $101,880Nebraska $100,800New Mexico $99,900Ohio $99,260West Virginia $93,360
Working as a Petroleum Engineer in Colorado
Nationally, about 18,000 people work as Petroleum Engineers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($172,190) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Petroleum Engineer make in Colorado?
The median Petroleum Engineer salary in Colorado is $172,190 per year, or about $82.78 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $92,590 at the entry level to $264,960 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Petroleum Engineers about 19% more than the national median of $144,910. Colorado ranks 3rd out of 16 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Petroleum Engineers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $172,190 a year. About 1,390 Petroleum Engineers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Petroleum Engineer salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.