National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $27,581 more (27.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$99,580
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$103,867
$133,521
Total Employment
23,240
19,770
States with Higher Pay
2
21
Salary by State: Materials Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Materials Engineers pays more in 2 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 21.
| State | Materials Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $113,870 | $134,750 | $-20,880 | ||
| Arizona | $129,190 | $143,520 | $-14,330 | ||
| Arkansas | $95,010 | $91,180 | +$3,830 | ||
| California | $118,270 | $134,330 | $-16,060 | ||
| Florida | $95,350 | $153,530 | $-58,180 | ||
| Illinois | $98,060 | $136,190 | $-38,130 | ||
| Kansas | $93,150 | $116,280 | $-23,130 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,860 | $136,950 | $-37,090 | ||
| Michigan | $95,090 | $108,520 | $-13,430 | ||
| Minnesota | $95,540 | $160,420 | $-64,880 | ||
| Montana | $72,380 | $99,220 | $-26,840 | ||
| Nebraska | $85,580 | $95,590 | $-10,010 | ||
| New Jersey | $101,300 | $212,230 | $-110,930 | ||
| North Dakota | $91,440 | $131,260 | $-39,820 | ||
| Ohio | $101,620 | $104,140 | $-2,520 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,880 | $132,360 | $-51,480 | ||
| Oregon | $126,340 | $124,170 | +$2,170 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,990 | $85,810 | $-1,820 | ||
| Texas | $109,280 | $147,840 | $-38,560 | ||
| Utah | $80,410 | $103,650 | $-23,240 | ||
| Virginia | $104,500 | $110,640 | $-6,140 | ||
| Washington | $125,090 | $130,600 | $-5,510 | ||
| West Virginia | $85,610 | $93,810 | $-8,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Materials Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $27,581 (27.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Materials Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Materials Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 2 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Materials Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Materials Engineers is $99,580 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Materials Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Materials Engineers. BLS reports approximately 23,240 Materials Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Materials Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Materials 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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