Natural Sciences Managers vs Petroleum Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary
$128,228
Average (Mean)
$139,121
Employed Nationwide
91,050
VS

Petroleum Engineers

Median Salary
$127,161
Average (Mean)
$133,521
Employed Nationwide
19,770
Natural Sciences Managers earns $1,066 more (0.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $128,228 $127,161
Average (Mean) Salary $139,121 $133,521
Total Employment 91,050 19,770
States with Higher Pay 14 12

Salary by State: Natural Sciences Managers vs Petroleum Engineers

Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Natural Sciences Managers pays more in 14 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 12.

State Natural Sciences Managers Petroleum Engineers Difference
Alaska $121,280
$134,750
$-13,470
Arizona $123,240
$143,520
$-20,280
Arkansas $118,190
$91,180
+$27,010
California $198,580
$134,330
+$64,250
Colorado $141,840
$170,010
$-28,170
Florida $92,490
$153,530
$-61,040
Illinois $138,340
$136,190
+$2,150
Kansas $126,550
$116,280
+$10,270
Louisiana $100,510
$136,950
$-36,440
Michigan $137,660
$108,520
+$29,140
Minnesota $134,620
$160,420
$-25,800
Montana $108,330
$99,220
+$9,110
Nebraska $111,050
$95,590
+$15,460
New Jersey $188,190
$212,230
$-24,040
New Mexico $110,850
$128,070
$-17,220
North Dakota $124,760
$131,260
$-6,500
Ohio $130,230
$104,140
+$26,090
Oklahoma $106,950
$132,360
$-25,410
Oregon $128,630
$124,170
+$4,460
Pennsylvania $126,870
$85,810
+$41,060
Texas $109,300
$147,840
$-38,540
Utah $106,740
$103,650
+$3,090
Virginia $139,380
$110,640
+$28,740
Washington $172,040
$130,600
+$41,440
West Virginia $125,100
$93,810
+$31,290
Wyoming $103,560
$121,130
$-17,570

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Natural Sciences Managers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Natural Sciences Managers earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $1,066 (0.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Natural Sciences Managers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Natural Sciences Managers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 14 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers is $128,228 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Natural Sciences Managers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Natural Sciences Managers. BLS reports approximately 91,050 Natural Sciences Managers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Natural Sciences Managers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Natural Sciences Managers 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.