Petroleum Engineer Salary in California
Based on 1K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$143,590
$69.03/hr
vs National Average
$133,391
+7.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $207K
1K employed in California
Petroleum engineer salary in California averages $143,590 per year, positioning the state as a competitive market for this specialized profession. With approximately 1,060 petroleum engineers currently employed across California, the median compensation sits 8% above the national average, reflecting the state's significant oil and gas industry presence and the high cost of living in major employment centers.
Petroleum engineer salary in California varies considerably based on experience level, specific employer, and work location within the state. Entry-level positions start near $61,780 annually, while experienced engineers can earn up to $207,370, demonstrating substantial growth potential. Factors including years in the field, advanced certifications, specialization in offshore or unconventional extraction, and proximity to major petroleum hubs influence individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Petroleum Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,780 |
| 25th percentile | $126,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $143,590 |
| 75th percentile | $171,980 |
| 90th percentile | $207,370 |
Top-Paying Industries for Petroleum Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Petroleum Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Petroleum Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $217,210 | 60 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,710 | 2K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $166,450 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $165,030 | 1K |
| Wholesale Trade | $147,230 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Petroleum Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,910 |
| 2023 | $134,330 |
| 2024 | $147,780 |
| 2025 | $143,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,590 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,910 | $115,352 |
| 2023 | $134,330 | $127,162 |
| 2024 | $147,780 | $131,270 |
| 2025 | $143,590 | $133,391 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,590 | $133,391 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $126,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $143,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $171,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,370 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Petroleum Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Petroleum Engineer ($143,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Petroleum Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +46.4% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +20.1% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +9.8% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +0.3% | $69.25/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | -8.8% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | -9.2% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -10.5% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -10.6% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -13.2% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -14.7% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -22.9% | $53.22/hr |
| Data Scientist in CA | $141,590 | -1.4% | $68.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do petroleum engineers make in California?
- The median salary for petroleum engineers in California is $143,590 per year, or $69 per hour. This is 7.6% higher than the national average, making California one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for petroleum engineers in California?
- Petroleum engineer salaries in California range from $61,780 at the low end to $207,370 at the high end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size.
Is petroleum engineering a well-paid job in California?
- Yes, with a median salary of $143,590 annually and a 7.6% premium over the national average, petroleum engineering is a well-compensated career in California. Top earners in the field can make over $207,370 per year.
How many petroleum engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 1,060 petroleum engineers currently employed in California, representing a concentrated but stable workforce in the state's energy sector.