National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $16,784 more (15.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$110,377
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$114,871
$133,521
Total Employment
19,740
19,770
States with Higher Pay
9
15
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 9 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 15.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $133,550 | $143,520 | $-9,970 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,440 | $91,180 | +$260 | ||
| California | $110,920 | $134,330 | $-23,410 | ||
| Colorado | $107,450 | $170,010 | $-62,560 | ||
| Florida | $104,090 | $153,530 | $-49,440 | ||
| Illinois | $107,080 | $136,190 | $-29,110 | ||
| Kansas | $96,830 | $116,280 | $-19,450 | ||
| Louisiana | $123,420 | $136,950 | $-13,530 | ||
| Michigan | $105,040 | $108,520 | $-3,480 | ||
| Minnesota | $103,490 | $160,420 | $-56,930 | ||
| Montana | $128,680 | $99,220 | +$29,460 | ||
| Nebraska | $102,410 | $95,590 | +$6,820 | ||
| New Jersey | $112,350 | $212,230 | $-99,880 | ||
| New Mexico | $139,130 | $128,070 | +$11,060 | ||
| North Dakota | $111,150 | $131,260 | $-20,110 | ||
| Ohio | $108,440 | $104,140 | +$4,300 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,930 | $132,360 | $-4,430 | ||
| Oregon | $96,120 | $124,170 | $-28,050 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $106,260 | $85,810 | +$20,450 | ||
| Texas | $153,350 | $147,840 | +$5,510 | ||
| Utah | $75,500 | $103,650 | $-28,150 | ||
| Washington | $131,840 | $130,600 | +$1,240 | ||
| West Virginia | $130,640 | $93,810 | +$36,830 | ||
| Wyoming | $99,890 | $121,130 | $-21,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Chemical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $16,784 (15.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 9 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Chemical 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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