How to Become a Petroleum Engineers in Texas
Petroleum Engineers in Texas earn a median salary of $153,200/year, which is 8% above the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a petroleum engineers takes home approximately $8,210/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a petroleum engineers can afford in Texas
Becoming a petroleum engineers in Texas
Meet education requirements
Petroleum Engineers positions in Texas typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many petroleum engineers positions in Texas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Texas licensure or certification
Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for petroleum engineerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Texas
Texas employs 10,640 petroleum engineers. The highest concentrations are in Amarillo and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos.
Petroleum Engineers salary by metro area in Texas
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | $200K | $96.15/hr | 50 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $184K | $88.58/hr | 260 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $167K | $80.33/hr | 160 |
| Midland | $166K | $79.75/hr | 1,180 |
| Wichita Falls | $161K | $77.35/hr | 60 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $160K | $76.92/hr | 5,080 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $154K | $74.28/hr | 1,100 |
| Lubbock | $143K | $68.81/hr | 160 |
| Odessa | $134K | $64.56/hr | 310 |
| Corpus Christi | $134K | $64.27/hr | 160 |
| El Paso | $127K | $61.29/hr | 40 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $123K | $59.12/hr | 180 |
| College Station-Bryan | $115K | $55.2/hr | 40 |
| Longview | $110K | $53.04/hr | 180 |
| Tyler | $107K | $51.44/hr | 70 |
Petroleum Engineers salary range in Texas
Petroleum Engineers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a petroleum engineers make in Texas?▼
The median petroleum engineers salary in Texas is $153,200 per year ($73.65/hr). This is 8% above the national median of $141,280. Salaries range from $83,750 to $232,340.
What are the requirements to become a petroleum engineers in Texas?▼
Petroleum Engineers positions in Texas typically require Bachelor's degree. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a petroleum engineers afford to live in Texas?▼
At the median salary of $153,200, a petroleum engineers in Texas would take home approximately $9,622/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 14.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for petroleum engineers in Texas?▼
The highest paying metro areas for petroleum engineers in Texas are Amarillo ($199,990), Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($184,250), Beaumont-Port Arthur ($167,090). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Texas have state income tax for petroleum engineers?▼
No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means petroleum engineers keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.