Petroleum Engineer Jobs in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri$112,500 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Petroleum Engineer Jobs in St. Louis

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

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.

St. Louis 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 St. Louis

Entry Level
$68,850
Median
$112,500
Senior Level
$165,600

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

Purchasing power in St. Louis 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 St. Louis

St. Louis, MO is a major regional employment hub for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, St. Louis 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 St. Louis

City of St. LouisMetro TransitAmerenWashington University

Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis include City of St. Louis, Metro Transit, Ameren, Washington University. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis

Living in St. Louis 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 $1,100/month (39% 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.

90
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.1K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Petroleum Engineer in St. Louis

St. Louis 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 St. Louis: 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 Missouri

Missouri has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Petroleum Engineers

The job outlook for Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. St. Louis'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 St. Louis

St. Louis'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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Petroleum Engineer salary in St. Louis, MO?

The average Petroleum Engineer salary in St. Louis, MO is $112,500 per year. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers typically start around $68,850, while experienced professionals can earn $165,600 or more. The national average for Petroleum Engineer roles is $125,000.

How many Petroleum Engineer jobs are available in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a strong job market with regular openings for Petroleum Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Petroleum Engineers include City of St. Louis, Metro Transit, Ameren, Washington University. The Healthcare and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is St. Louis a good city for Petroleum Engineers?

St. Louis 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 healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis?

Top skills for Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis 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 St. Louis?

St. Louis's cost of living is near the national average (90% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month. Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Petroleum Engineers in St. Louis?

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

More Engineering Jobs in St. Louis