Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, Wisconsin$116,250 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee

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

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.

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee

Entry Level
$71,145
Median
$116,250
Senior Level
$171,120

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

Purchasing power in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI is a major regional employment hub for Petroleum Engineer professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 577K residents, Milwaukee balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Manufacturing 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 Milwaukee

City of MilwaukeeMCTSWe EnergiesMilwaukee Public Schools

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Milwaukee include City of Milwaukee, MCTS, We Energies, Milwaukee Public Schools. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Petroleum Engineers in Milwaukee

Living in Milwaukee as a Petroleum Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month (33% below the national average). At median Petroleum Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 12% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $950/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

93
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.2K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee: 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has relatively high state income taxes. A Petroleum Engineer earning $116,250 might pay approximately $9,300 in state income tax. However, Wisconsin'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 Milwaukee is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee

Milwaukee'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. Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee, WI?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Milwaukee, WI is $116,250 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $71,145, while experienced professionals can earn $171,120 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $125,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a strong job market with regular openings for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers include City of Milwaukee, MCTS, We Energies, Milwaukee Public Schools. The Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Milwaukee a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Milwaukee is an very good choice for Petroleum Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's manufacturing industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

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

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's cost of living is near the national average (93% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month. Purchasing power in Milwaukee is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Milwaukee?

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

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