Estimate · based on BLS national data

Petroleum Engineers in District of Columbia

$238,868 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$114.84 per hour

▲ 52.0% above U.S. average2nd of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$238,868per year
Median$220,263per year
Hourly$114.84per hour
10th – 90th percentile$136,843 – $354,075per year

Petroleum Engineers Pay Range in District of Columbia

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$136,843
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$189,058
  • 50th Percentile — Median$220,263
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$306,542
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$354,075

Half of Petroleum Engineers in District of Columbia earn more than $220,263. The top 10% make $354,075 or more, while entry-level workers start around $136,843.

Petroleum Engineers in District of Columbia: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • District of Columbia ranks 2nd of 51 states for Petroleum Engineers pay, at $238,868 per year (52.0% above the U.S. average of $157,150).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $136,843; the top 10% earn over $354,075.
  • Hourly equivalent: $114.84 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $243,582.
  • Among engineering jobs in District of Columbia, Chemical Engineers pays the most ($197,570).

Petroleum Engineers Job Market in District of Columbia

Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia's key industries are Government, Finance, Technology, and its job market is rated very strong. Petroleum Engineers here earn $238,868 on average, placing the state 2nd nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.52 (U.S. = 1.00), a District of Columbia salary of $238,868 is roughly equivalent to $157,150 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Hawaii ($243,582), New York ($216,867), Massachusetts ($204,295) are the closest alternatives for Petroleum Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Petroleum Engineers salary in District of Columbia?

The average Petroleum Engineers salary in District of Columbia is $238,868 per year (median $220,263), which is 52.0% above the national average of $157,150.

How does District of Columbia rank for Petroleum Engineers pay?

District of Columbia ranks 2nd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($243,582/yr).

How much do entry-level Petroleum Engineers make in District of Columbia?

The lowest-paid 10% of Petroleum Engineers in District of Columbia earn about $136,843 per year and the 25th percentile is $189,058.

How much do Petroleum Engineers make per hour in District of Columbia?

About $114.84 per hour, based on the $238,868 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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