Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$120,150 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Knoxville

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

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.

Knoxville 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 Knoxville

Entry Level
$68,085
Median
$120,150
Senior Level
$184,230

Petroleum Engineer salaries in Knoxville are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

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

Required Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrilling OperationsProduction OptimizationSimulation SoftwareProject Management

Petroleum Engineer Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Petroleum Engineer talent. The market for Petroleum Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Petroleum Engineers in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Knoxville 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 Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Petroleum Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Petroleum Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Knoxville

Knoxville 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 Knoxville: 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 Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Petroleum Engineer earning $120,150 would save approximately $6,008 annually. This makes Knoxville 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 Knoxville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Knoxville offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production Optimization, Simulation Software.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Petroleum Engineer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee 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 Knoxville, TN?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Knoxville, TN is $120,150 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $68,085, while experienced professionals can earn $184,230 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $135,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville 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 Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Petroleum Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for energy professionals.

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

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Knoxville include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production Optimization, Simulation Software, Project Management. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

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

Knoxville's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Knoxville?

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

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