What is the starting salary for Petroleum Engineering graduates in New Orleans?

The estimated starting salary for Petroleum Engineering graduates in New Orleans, LA is $45,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in New Orleans are 10% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Petroleum Engineering degree worth it in New Orleans?

A Petroleum Engineering degree in New Orleans has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.9 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,089,972 after subtracting education costs. With 23 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,834/year, New Orleans offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 4.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Petroleum Engineering in New Orleans?

The average annual public university tuition in New Orleans is $8,834, while private universities average $53,112/year. Including room and board ($11,173/year), total 4-year costs range from $80,028 at a public school to $257,140 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in New Orleans is $15,952/year.

What jobs can Petroleum Engineering graduates get in New Orleans?

Petroleum Engineering graduates in New Orleans can pursue careers as Petroleum Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Reservoir Engineering, Drilling, Production Optimization, Geomechanics. The New Orleans job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell.

How long to pay off student loans for Petroleum Engineering in New Orleans?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Petroleum Engineering graduates in New Orleans would pay $909/month on an estimated $80,028 in loans, with $29,016 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,566/month but save $15,094 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $45,000, monthly payments would represent 24% of gross monthly income.

Petroleum Engineering Degree in New Orleans, LA — Salary & ROI 2026

Petroleum Engineering degree analysis for New Orleans, LA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$45K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$126K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.9 yrs

in New Orleans

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Petroleum Engineering in New Orleans, LA Overview

New Orleans is one of Louisiana's top college towns, with 23 institutions and a student population of 36,626. Public tuition averages $8,834/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Although national enrollment in Petroleum Engineering has been declining, graduates with skills in Reservoir Engineering and Drilling remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in New Orleans is approximately $45,000, growing to $126,000 by mid-career.

Petroleum Engineering Salary in New Orleans (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for New Orleans's cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,000($-5,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$126,000($-14,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$157,500($-17,500 vs national)

Note: National average Petroleum Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $140,000 mid-career, $175,000 senior level.New Orleans adjustment factor: 0.90x based on the local cost of living index.

Petroleum Engineering ROI Calculator for New Orleans

Estimate your return on investment for a Petroleum Engineering degree using local New Orleans tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,834 | Private avg: $53,112

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

New Orleans avg aid: $15,952/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$80,028

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,500

vs HS diploma in New Orleans

ROI Payback Period

5.9 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in New Orleans

$1,089,972

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,170,000) minus total education cost ($80,028)

Student Loan Payoff for Petroleum Engineering in New Orleans

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$80,028

Monthly Payment$909

Total Interest$29,016

% of Monthly Income24%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$80,028

Monthly Payment$1,566

Total Interest$13,922

Interest Savings$15,094

Colleges in New Orleans for Petroleum Engineering

Tulane University

private

$62,844/yr

$251,376 total

University of New Orleans

public

$8,834/yr

$35,336 total

Loyola University New Orleans

private

$43,380/yr

$173,520 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Delgado Community College

$4,236/yr

Top Employers for Petroleum Engineering in New Orleans

New Orleans offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Petroleum Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

ExxonMobilChevronShellSchlumbergerHalliburton

Key New Orleans Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Petroleum Engineering Job Titles

Petroleum EngineerReservoir EngineerDrilling Engineer

Petroleum Engineering in Nearby Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA

$41K starting · COL 82

16 colleges

Shreveport, LA

$50K starting · COL 99

14 colleges

Metairie, LA

$45K starting · COL 89.4

6 colleges

Lafayette, LA

$52K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Lake Charles, LA

$40K starting · COL 80

6 colleges

Bossier City, LA

$44K starting · COL 87.8

3 colleges

Kenner, LA

$46K starting · COL 92.5

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in New Orleans

Computer Engineering

$45K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$74K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$45K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$72K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$72K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$70K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$45K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$70K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Petroleum Engineering degree outcomes in New Orleans, LA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Petroleum Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Louisiana.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for New Orleans using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Petroleum Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Petroleum Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Petroleum Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for New Orleans Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Louisiana students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Louisiana)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Louisiana programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "louisiana higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Petroleum Engineering Degree in New Orleans — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Petroleum Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in New Orleans.

Petroleum Engineering Overview Colleges in New Orleans All Majors