Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, Hawaii$230,000 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Honolulu

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

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.

Honolulu 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 Honolulu

Entry Level
$140,760
Median
$230,000
Senior Level
$338,560

Petroleum Engineer salaries in Honolulu are 84% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Honolulu 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 Honolulu

Honolulu, HI is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Honolulu offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Tourism 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 Honolulu

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Honolulu include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Petroleum Engineers in Honolulu

Living in Honolulu as a Petroleum Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Petroleum Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 9% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

184
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Honolulu

Honolulu 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 Honolulu: 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 Hawaii

Hawaii has relatively high state income taxes. A Petroleum Engineer earning $230,000 might pay approximately $18,400 in state income tax. However, Hawaii's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Petroleum Engineers

The job outlook for Petroleum Engineers in Honolulu is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Honolulu offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production Optimization, Technical Analysis.

Relocating to Honolulu

Honolulu has a very high cost of living. Many Petroleum Engineers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. Hawaii has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in Honolulu, HI?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Honolulu, HI is $230,000 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $140,760, while experienced professionals can earn $338,560 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $125,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Honolulu?

Honolulu has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Tourism and Defense sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Honolulu a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Honolulu is an solid choice for Petroleum Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

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

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Honolulu 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 Honolulu?

Honolulu's cost of living is significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Honolulu is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Honolulu?

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

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