Estimate · based on BLS national data

Petroleum Engineers in Virginia

$172,865 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$83.11 per hour

▲ 10.0% above U.S. average12th 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$172,865per year
Median$159,401per year
Hourly$83.11per hour
10th – 90th percentile$99,031 – $256,238per year

Petroleum Engineers Pay Range in Virginia

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$99,031
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$136,818
  • 50th Percentile — Median$159,401
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$221,839
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$256,238

Half of Petroleum Engineers in Virginia earn more than $159,401. The top 10% make $256,238 or more, while entry-level workers start around $99,031.

Petroleum Engineers in Virginia: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • Virginia ranks 12th of 51 states for Petroleum Engineers pay, at $172,865 per year (10.0% above the U.S. average of $157,150).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $99,031; the top 10% earn over $256,238.
  • Hourly equivalent: $83.11 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $243,582.
  • Among engineering jobs in Virginia, Aerospace Engineers pays the most ($155,770).

Petroleum Engineers Job Market in Virginia

Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia's key industries are Government, Technology, Defense, and its job market is rated very strong. Petroleum Engineers here earn $172,865 on average, placing the state 12th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.1 (U.S. = 1.00), a Virginia salary of $172,865 is roughly equivalent to $157,150 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Maryland ($180,722), Rhode Island ($180,722), New Hampshire ($179,151) are the closest alternatives for Petroleum Engineers weighing a move.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Petroleum Engineers salary in Virginia?

The average Petroleum Engineers salary in Virginia is $172,865 per year (median $159,401), which is 10.0% above the national average of $157,150.

How does Virginia rank for Petroleum Engineers pay?

Virginia ranks 12th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($243,582/yr).

How much do entry-level Petroleum Engineers make in Virginia?

The lowest-paid 10% of Petroleum Engineers in Virginia earn about $99,031 per year and the 25th percentile is $136,818.

How much do Petroleum Engineers make per hour in Virginia?

About $83.11 per hour, based on the $172,865 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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