Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, Minnesota$131,250 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis

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

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.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis

Entry Level
$80,325
Median
$131,250
Senior Level
$193,200

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

Purchasing power in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN is a major regional employment hub for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Minneapolis offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare 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 Minneapolis

State of MinnesotaMetro TransitXcel EnergyUniversity of Minnesota

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Minneapolis include State of Minnesota, Metro Transit, Xcel Energy, University of Minnesota. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Petroleum Engineers in Minneapolis

Living in Minneapolis 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 $1,600/month. At median Petroleum Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 15% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,200/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

105
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.6K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Metro light rail, bus system, and excellent bike infrastructure. The average commute time is 24 minutes. Blue Line connects downtown to MSP Airport and Mall of America. Excellent skyway system for winter commuting downtown.

Best neighborhoods for Petroleum Engineers in Minneapolis: 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 Minnesota

Minnesota has relatively high state income taxes. A Petroleum Engineer earning $131,250 might pay approximately $10,500 in state income tax. However, Minnesota'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 Minneapolis is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis

Minnesota has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading. Winters can be harsh. Budget for winter clothing, and many employers understand weather-related delays during snow events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in Minneapolis, MN?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Minneapolis, MN is $131,250 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $80,325, while experienced professionals can earn $193,200 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $125,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a strong job market with regular openings for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers include State of Minnesota, Metro Transit, Xcel Energy, University of Minnesota. The Healthcare and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Minneapolis a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Minneapolis 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 healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

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

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Minneapolis's cost of living is near the national average (105% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,600/month. Purchasing power in Minneapolis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis Metro light rail, bus system, and excellent bike infrastructure. The average commute is 24 minutes. Blue Line connects downtown to MSP Airport and Mall of America.

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