National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $5,284 more (4.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$121,876
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$125,170
$133,521
Total Employment
62,910
19,770
States with Higher Pay
7
14
Salary by State: Aerospace Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Aerospace Engineers pays more in 7 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 14.
| State | Aerospace Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $95,420 | $134,750 | $-39,330 | ||
| Arizona | $128,230 | $143,520 | $-15,290 | ||
| California | $130,720 | $134,330 | $-3,610 | ||
| Colorado | $135,280 | $170,010 | $-34,730 | ||
| Florida | $121,470 | $153,530 | $-32,060 | ||
| Illinois | $116,520 | $136,190 | $-19,670 | ||
| Kansas | $107,550 | $116,280 | $-8,730 | ||
| Louisiana | $109,510 | $136,950 | $-27,440 | ||
| Michigan | $108,100 | $108,520 | $-420 | ||
| Minnesota | $140,320 | $160,420 | $-20,100 | ||
| Nebraska | $131,870 | $95,590 | +$36,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,950 | $212,230 | $-82,280 | ||
| New Mexico | $132,340 | $128,070 | +$4,270 | ||
| Ohio | $130,740 | $104,140 | +$26,600 | ||
| Oklahoma | $104,380 | $132,360 | $-27,980 | ||
| Oregon | $101,310 | $124,170 | $-22,860 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $121,120 | $85,810 | +$35,310 | ||
| Texas | $127,870 | $147,840 | $-19,970 | ||
| Utah | $127,760 | $103,650 | +$24,110 | ||
| Virginia | $137,540 | $110,640 | +$26,900 | ||
| Washington | $142,520 | $130,600 | +$11,920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Aerospace Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Aerospace Engineers. The national median salary difference is $5,284 (4.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Aerospace Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Aerospace Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 7 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Aerospace Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineers is $121,876 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Aerospace Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Aerospace Engineers. BLS reports approximately 62,910 Aerospace Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Aerospace Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Aerospace Engineers and Petroleum Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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