Petroleum engineering is a demanding yet rewarding career that requires the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas resources. Canada, with its vast reserves, has long been a hub for petroleum engineering professionals. This industry offers you a competitive salary with ample job opportunities for career growth. In this complete article, we will help you to understand the details of the Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada, providing insight into average earning potential with different factors that influence your salary range.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Petroleum Engineer Can Earn in Canada?
- Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Experience Level
- Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Education Level
- Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Organisation
- Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Cities
- Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Positions
- FAQs
How Much Does a Petroleum Engineer Can Earn in Canada?
Petroleum engineers in Canada enjoy a lucrative salary. With an average annual income of CAD 128,400, they rank among the highest-paid professionals. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and employer. While the lowest-paid petroleum engineers earn around CAD 66,700 annually, the highest earners can command salaries as high as CAD 200,600 per year. This wide range reflects the diverse nature of the petroleum industry and the varying levels of expertise required for different roles.
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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Experience Level
Petroleum engineering is a lucrative field in Canada, especially given the country’s significant oil and gas reserves. The average salary for a petroleum engineer in Canada varies depending on factors such as experience level, location, and specific employer.
Petroleum engineer salaries in Canada vary significantly depending on the experience level. For those with 0-2 years of experience, the average salary is approximately CAD 72,400 per year. As experience grows, so does the earning potential. Engineers with 2-5 years of experience typically earn around CAD 97,400, reflecting a notable increase of about 35% from the entry-level salary. With 5-10 years of experience, petroleum engineers can expect to earn an average of CAD 137,100, marking a 41% rise compared to those in the earlier stages of their career. As engineers reach the 10-15 years experience range, the salary increases to about CAD 164,100, showing a 20% boost over the previous range.
After 15-20 years of experience, salaries climb to CAD 175,100, reflecting a 7% increase over the previous bracket. Engineers with over 20 years of experience earn an average salary of CAD 190,400, representing a 9% rise compared to those with 15-20 years of experience. These figures demonstrate a clear trend of salary growth with increasing experience in the petroleum engineering field.
Here’s a general breakdown of petroleum engineer salaries in Canada based on experience level:
Experience Level | Average Per Year Salary |
0 – 2 Years | CAD 72,400 |
2 – 5 Years | CAD 97,400 |
5 – 10 Years | CAD 137,100 |
10 – 15 Years | CAD 164,100 |
15 – 20 Years | CAD 175,100 |
20+ Years | CAD 190,400 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Education Level
The salary of a petroleum engineer in Canada is also influenced by their educational background. Engineers with a Bachelor’s Degree earn an average annual salary of CAD 92,200, which is the typical starting point for most in the profession. However, those with a Master’s Degree experience a significant salary boost, earning an average of CAD 161,300 per year. This represents a 75% increase in salary compared to those with only a Bachelor’s degree.
The level of education for a petroleum engineer is also one of the major reasons for their salary variation. Here’s a breakdown of petroleum engineer salaries based on education level:
Education Level | Average Per Year Salary |
Bachelor’s Degree | CAD 92,200 |
Master’s Degree | CAD 161,300 |
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Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Organisation
The organisation a petroleum engineer works for can significantly influence their salary. Larger and more established companies pay high compensation to petroleum engineers in Canada.
In large oil and gas companies or multinational corporations, petroleum engineers can expect some of the highest salaries. These organisations typically offer average annual salaries of CAD 150,000 to CAD 200,000.
On the other hand, engineers working in smaller, independent energy companies may earn salaries in the range of CAD 90,000 to CAD 120,000. Government and public sector roles also offer competitive pay, though they may not match the private sector. Petroleum engineers working in government agencies or in research and development within the public sector typically earn between CAD 100,000 and CAD 130,000 annually.
Here’s a general breakdown of petroleum engineer salaries based on organisation type:
Organisation | Average Per Year Salary |
Chevron | CAD 125,698 |
Husky Energy | CAD 128,500 |
Canadian Natural | CAD 97,270 |
Ovintiv | CAD 156,833 |
CNOOC | CAD 88,333 |
Suncor | CAD 120,000 |
Government of Manitoba | CAD 140,000 |
Government of Saskatchewan | CAD 120,000 |
ExxonMobil | CAD 100,000 |
Crescent Point Energy | CAD 84,000 |
Imperial Oil | CAD 100,000 |
Cenovus | CAD 200,000 |
Petro-Canada | CAD 86,000 |
Etobicoke | CAD 98,000 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Cities
The city in which a petroleum engineer works can significantly impact their salary. Cities in Canada with a high number of oil and gas companies, or those located in regions with abundant oil and gas reserves, tend to offer higher salary packages to petroleum engineers in Canada.
Calgary, Alberta, is another key hub for the oil and gas sector, with petroleum engineers earning an average of CAD 130,840. This salary is about 26% above, reflecting the city’s role as a centre for energy companies and energy-related innovation.
In Ottawa, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, petroleum engineers earn salaries closer to the national average, typically ranging from CAD 85,000 to CAD 95,000 per year, as the focus in these cities is often more on the public sector and government-related work rather than the oil and gas industry.
Here’s a general breakdown of petroleum engineer salaries based on city:
Cities | Average Per Year Salary |
Brampton | CAD 118,900 |
Calgary | CAD 127,600 |
Alberta | CAD 130,600 |
Edmonton | CAD 134,700 |
Gatineau | CAD 121,800 |
Halifax | CAD 115,600 |
Hamilton | CAD 123,800 |
Kitchener | CAD 117,100 |
Markham | CAD 117,100 |
Mississauga | CAD 132,000 |
Montreal | CAD 128,400 |
Ottawa | CAD 127,700 |
Quebec | CAD 128,400 |
Regina | CAD 109,000 |
Richmond | CAD 108,200 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Canada Based On Positions
The specific position a petroleum engineer holds within a company can significantly impact their salary range. The higher-level positions typically come with greater responsibilities and higher salary packages.
Here’s a breakdown of petroleum engineer salaries based on position:
Positions | Average Per Year Salary |
Engineering Manager | CAD 134,526 |
Project Engineer | CAD 122,871 |
Design Engineer | CAD 122,468 |
Mechanical Engineer | CAD 122,075 |
Director | CAD 120,799 |
Operations Manager | CAD 95,000 |
Project Manager | CAD 90,000 |
Field Technician | CAD 63,386 |
Production Supervisor | CAD 71,388 |
Engineer | CAD 84,906 |
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FAQs
In Canada, the average pay for a petroleum engineer is CAD 181,243 a year, or CAD 92.95 per hour. Entry-level jobs pay CAD 88,930 annually, while the majority of experienced workers can expect to make up to CAD 187,725 annually.
The employment outlook will be good for Petroleum Engineers (NOC 21332) in Ontario for the 2023-2025 period. The following factors contributed to this outlook: Employment growth will lead to several new positions. Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
The Canadian oil sands are among the world’s greatest oil deposits, with estimated reserves of 164 billion barrels. Because of its size, Canada has the third-largest oil reserves in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. An important portion of Canada’s oil production comes from the oil sands.
This is all about the complete Information on Petroleum Engineer Salaries in Canada 2025. For more such articles on salaries with different professions, follow Leverage Edu and our main page Jobs Abroad.
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