📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Petroleum Engineer Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$125,325
per year
Median
$119,938
per year
Hourly
$60.25
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$72,728
25th Percentile — Junior$97,266
50th Percentile — Median$119,938
75th Percentile — Senior$152,474
90th Percentile — Top Earners$174,138
💡 Top-earning Petroleum Engineers in North Carolina make up to $174,138 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$109.2k
2021
$112.2k
2022
$115.4k
2023
$118.6k
2024
$121.9k
2025
$125.3k
2026
📈 Petroleum Engineer salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong presence in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $120,312 -4.0% Medium
Raleigh $122,818 -2.0% Medium
Greensboro $112,792 -10.0% Medium
Durham $121,565 -3.0% Medium
Winston-Salem $109,033 -13.0% Medium
🔍
Petroleum Engineer Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Petroleum Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $125,325 per year, North Carolina's Petroleum Engineer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $72,728–$97,266, while experienced Petroleum Engineers can command $152,474–$174,138.

Looking ahead, the Petroleum Engineer profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Petroleum Engineer salary in North Carolina is $125,325 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $137,720.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Petroleum Engineers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Petroleum Engineer employment.
  • At $125,325/year, North Carolina Petroleum Engineer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $137,720/year.