National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $20,973 more (19.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$106,188
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$111,026
$133,521
Total Employment
184,480
19,770
States with Higher Pay
7
19
Salary by State: Electrical Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Electrical Engineers pays more in 7 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 19.
| State | Electrical Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $101,710 | $134,750 | $-33,040 | ||
| Arizona | $104,950 | $143,520 | $-38,570 | ||
| Arkansas | $80,190 | $91,180 | $-10,990 | ||
| California | $139,140 | $134,330 | +$4,810 | ||
| Colorado | $110,010 | $170,010 | $-60,000 | ||
| Florida | $100,200 | $153,530 | $-53,330 | ||
| Illinois | $104,120 | $136,190 | $-32,070 | ||
| Kansas | $93,700 | $116,280 | $-22,580 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,030 | $136,950 | $-33,920 | ||
| Michigan | $99,800 | $108,520 | $-8,720 | ||
| Minnesota | $103,330 | $160,420 | $-57,090 | ||
| Montana | $90,600 | $99,220 | $-8,620 | ||
| Nebraska | $102,080 | $95,590 | +$6,490 | ||
| New Jersey | $108,120 | $212,230 | $-104,110 | ||
| New Mexico | $135,880 | $128,070 | +$7,810 | ||
| North Dakota | $105,230 | $131,260 | $-26,030 | ||
| Ohio | $100,230 | $104,140 | $-3,910 | ||
| Oklahoma | $100,850 | $132,360 | $-31,510 | ||
| Oregon | $120,430 | $124,170 | $-3,740 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $105,000 | $85,810 | +$19,190 | ||
| Texas | $102,710 | $147,840 | $-45,130 | ||
| Utah | $104,800 | $103,650 | +$1,150 | ||
| Virginia | $110,840 | $110,640 | +$200 | ||
| Washington | $126,800 | $130,600 | $-3,800 | ||
| West Virginia | $100,230 | $93,810 | +$6,420 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,960 | $121,130 | $-18,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Electrical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Electrical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $20,973 (19.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Electrical Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Electrical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 7 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Electrical Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Electrical Engineers is $106,188 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Electrical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 184,480 Electrical Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Electrical Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Electrical 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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