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Petroleum Engineers Salary in California

How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$147,780
Median Annual Salary
$146,850
Mean Salary
$147,780
Median Salary
$71.05
Hourly Rate
1,190 people work as Petroleum Engineers in California

About This Job: Petroleum Engineers

Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88
Speaking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.4
Mathematics
4.12
Physics
3.52
Computers and Electronics
3.51
Chemistry
3.39
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (71.6% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Petroleum Engineers in California

Salaries for Petroleum Engineers in California range from $78,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $219,170 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $97,600 and $178,310.

Median $147,780
P10: $78,510 P25: $97,600 P75: $178,310 P90: $219,170
10th
$78,510
25th
$97,600
Median
$147,780
75th
$178,310
90th
$219,170
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $78,510 $37.75 $6,542
25th Percentile $97,600 $46.92 $8,133
Median (50th) $147,780 $71.05 $12,315
75th Percentile $178,310 $85.73 $14,859
90th Percentile (Experienced) $219,170 $105.37 $18,264

Note: The mean (average) salary of $146,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Petroleum Engineers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Petroleum Engineers Salary by State

Compare Petroleum Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in California is $147,780 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $146,850.
What is the salary range for a Petroleum Engineers in California?
Salaries for Petroleum Engineers in California range from $78,510 at the 10th percentile to $219,170 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $97,600 and $178,310.
What is the starting salary for a Petroleum Engineers in California?
Entry-level Petroleum Engineers positions in California typically start around $78,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $97,600 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Petroleum Engineers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 1,190 people are employed as Petroleum Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Petroleum Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Petroleum Engineers in California is approximately $71.05 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS