Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME

Portland, Maine$145,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Portland

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

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.

Portland 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 Portland

Entry Level
$82,620
Median
$145,800
Senior Level
$223,560

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

Purchasing power in Portland 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 Portland

Portland, ME is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Portland 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 Portland

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in Portland 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 Portland

Living in Portland 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 $1,800/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 $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

108
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in Portland

Portland 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 Portland: 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 Maine

Maine has relatively high state income taxes. A Petroleum Engineer earning $145,800 might pay approximately $11,664 in state income tax. However, Maine'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 Portland is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Portland 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 Portland

Maine 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 Portland, ME?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in Portland, ME is $145,800 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $82,620, while experienced professionals can earn $223,560 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $135,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in Portland?

Portland 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 Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Portland a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

Portland 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 cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for energy professionals.

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

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in Portland 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 Portland?

Portland's cost of living is near the national average (108% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Portland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in Portland?

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

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