Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX

Dallas, Texas$127,500 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Dallas

Looking for a Petroleum Engineer job in Dallas? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Petroleum Engineer in Dallas, TX.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Dallas has a strong job market for Petroleum Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in Dallas

Entry Level
$78,030
Median
$127,500
Senior Level
$187,680

Petroleum Engineer salaries in Dallas are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Dallas is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrilling OperationsProduction OptimizationTechnical AnalysisField Operations

Petroleum Engineer Job Market in Dallas

Dallas, TX is a major regional employment hub for Petroleum Engineer professionals. With a population of 1.3 million, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Petroleum Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Petroleum Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Petroleum Engineers in Dallas

City of DallasDARTDallas ISDOncor

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Dallas include City of Dallas, DART, Dallas ISD, Oncor. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas

Living in Dallas as a Petroleum Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. At median Petroleum Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 16% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Dallas

Dallas Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Petroleum Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Texas

Texas has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Petroleum Engineer earning $127,500 would save approximately $6,375 annually. This makes Dallas attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Petroleum Engineers

The job outlook for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Dallas's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production Optimization, Technical Analysis.

Relocating to Dallas

Texas has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Dallas, TX is $127,500 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $78,030, while experienced professionals can earn $187,680 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $125,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Dallas?

Dallas has a strong job market with regular openings for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers include City of Dallas, DART, Dallas ISD, Oncor. The Technology and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Dallas a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Dallas is an excellent choice for Petroleum Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas?

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production Optimization, Technical Analysis, Field Operations. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas?

Dallas's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Dallas is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Dallas?

Dallas Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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