Petroleum Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$145,000
▲ 3.8% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$80,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$105,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$145,000
50th Pct.
Median
$190,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$245,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Petroleum Engineer roles in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in Chicago?+
The median Petroleum Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $145,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $105,000 and $190,000.
What is the entry-level Petroleum Engineer salary in Chicago?+
Entry-level Petroleum Engineer positions in Chicago typically start around $105,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $145,000.
What do senior Petroleum Engineers earn in Chicago?+
Senior Petroleum Engineers in Chicago earn $190,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $245,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Petroleum Engineer market changed in Chicago?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Petroleum Engineers in Chicago stands at 3.8% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Petroleum Engineer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $140,000 | $195,000 | $260,000 | +3.8% |
| New York, NY | $130,000 | $180,000 | $240,000 | +3.8% |
| Seattle, WA | $125,000 | $170,000 | $225,000 | +3.8% |
| Boston, MA | $120,000 | $160,000 | $215,000 | +3.8% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125,000 | $175,000 | $230,000 | +3.8% |
| San Diego, CA | $120,000 | $160,000 | $215,000 | +3.8% |
| Sacramento, CA | $115,000 | $155,000 | $205,000 | +3.8% |
| Washington DC, DC | $120,000 | $165,000 | $215,000 | +3.8% |
Chicago — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $95,000 | $130,000 | $165,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $85,000 | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| Backend Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |
| iOS Developer | $100,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 |
| Android Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |