National Salary Overview
VS
Petroleum Engineers earns $860 more (0.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$126,301
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$126,567
$133,521
Total Employment
9,440
19,770
States with Higher Pay
6
5
Salary by State: Nuclear Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 11 states where both occupations have BLS data. Nuclear Engineers pays more in 6 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 5.
| State | Nuclear Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $120,190 | $153,530 | $-33,340 | ||
| Illinois | $121,550 | $136,190 | $-14,640 | ||
| Michigan | $125,130 | $108,520 | +$16,610 | ||
| New Mexico | $132,320 | $128,070 | +$4,250 | ||
| Ohio | $120,290 | $104,140 | +$16,150 | ||
| Oregon | $137,530 | $124,170 | +$13,360 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $126,530 | $85,810 | +$40,720 | ||
| Texas | $124,610 | $147,840 | $-23,230 | ||
| Utah | $134,740 | $103,650 | +$31,090 | ||
| Virginia | $108,990 | $110,640 | $-1,650 | ||
| Washington | $116,100 | $130,600 | $-14,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Nuclear Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Petroleum Engineers earns more than a Nuclear Engineers. The national median salary difference is $860 (0.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Nuclear Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Nuclear Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 6 out of 11 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Nuclear Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Nuclear Engineers is $126,301 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Nuclear Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Engineers. BLS reports approximately 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions and 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Nuclear Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Nuclear 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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