National Salary Overview
VS
Pharmacists earns $9,175 more (7.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,161
$136,336
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,521
$133,102
Total Employment
19,770
331,700
States with Higher Pay
9
17
Salary by State: Petroleum Engineers vs Pharmacists
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Engineers pays more in 9 states; Pharmacists pays more in 17.
| State | Petroleum Engineers | Pharmacists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $134,750 | $152,730 | $-17,980 | ||
| Arizona | $143,520 | $136,960 | +$6,560 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,180 | $131,510 | $-40,330 | ||
| California | $134,330 | $160,950 | $-26,620 | ||
| Colorado | $170,010 | $144,240 | +$25,770 | ||
| Florida | $153,530 | $134,500 | +$19,030 | ||
| Illinois | $136,190 | $135,120 | +$1,070 | ||
| Kansas | $116,280 | $132,920 | $-16,640 | ||
| Louisiana | $136,950 | $128,100 | +$8,850 | ||
| Michigan | $108,520 | $134,660 | $-26,140 | ||
| Minnesota | $160,420 | $150,170 | +$10,250 | ||
| Montana | $99,220 | $133,480 | $-34,260 | ||
| Nebraska | $95,590 | $132,020 | $-36,430 | ||
| New Jersey | $212,230 | $131,190 | +$81,040 | ||
| New Mexico | $128,070 | $134,890 | $-6,820 | ||
| North Dakota | $131,260 | $134,670 | $-3,410 | ||
| Ohio | $104,140 | $132,710 | $-28,570 | ||
| Oklahoma | $132,360 | $131,040 | +$1,320 | ||
| Oregon | $124,170 | $154,550 | $-30,380 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $85,810 | $135,640 | $-49,830 | ||
| Texas | $147,840 | $134,880 | +$12,960 | ||
| Utah | $103,650 | $137,710 | $-34,060 | ||
| Virginia | $110,640 | $137,550 | $-26,910 | ||
| Washington | $130,600 | $153,500 | $-22,900 | ||
| West Virginia | $93,810 | $130,150 | $-36,340 | ||
| Wyoming | $121,130 | $133,380 | $-12,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Petroleum Engineers or Pharmacists?
On average across all states, a Pharmacists earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $9,175 (7.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Engineers earn more than a Pharmacists?
A Petroleum Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Pharmacists in 9 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Pharmacists pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Engineers vs Pharmacists?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineers is $127,161 per year, compared to $136,336 for a Pharmacists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Engineers or Pharmacists?
There are more people employed as Pharmacists. BLS reports approximately 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions and 331,700 Pharmacists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Engineers or Pharmacists?
Both Petroleum Engineers and Pharmacists 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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