National Salary Overview
VS
Physician Assistants earns $1,085 more (0.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,161
$128,246
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,521
$128,185
Total Employment
19,770
145,290
States with Higher Pay
9
17
Salary by State: Petroleum Engineers vs Physician Assistants
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Engineers pays more in 9 states; Physician Assistants pays more in 17.
| State | Petroleum Engineers | Physician Assistants | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $134,750 | $141,020 | $-6,270 | ||
| Arizona | $143,520 | $130,270 | +$13,250 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,180 | $99,220 | $-8,040 | ||
| California | $134,330 | $157,490 | $-23,160 | ||
| Colorado | $170,010 | $128,800 | +$41,210 | ||
| Florida | $153,530 | $125,600 | +$27,930 | ||
| Illinois | $136,190 | $118,400 | +$17,790 | ||
| Kansas | $116,280 | $116,970 | $-690 | ||
| Louisiana | $136,950 | $123,290 | +$13,660 | ||
| Michigan | $108,520 | $126,890 | $-18,370 | ||
| Minnesota | $160,420 | $131,290 | +$29,130 | ||
| Montana | $99,220 | $131,340 | $-32,120 | ||
| Nebraska | $95,590 | $125,090 | $-29,500 | ||
| New Jersey | $212,230 | $137,100 | +$75,130 | ||
| New Mexico | $128,070 | $131,930 | $-3,860 | ||
| North Dakota | $131,260 | $132,660 | $-1,400 | ||
| Ohio | $104,140 | $122,180 | $-18,040 | ||
| Oklahoma | $132,360 | $126,080 | +$6,280 | ||
| Oregon | $124,170 | $134,740 | $-10,570 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $85,810 | $119,170 | $-33,360 | ||
| Texas | $147,840 | $131,080 | +$16,760 | ||
| Utah | $103,650 | $128,060 | $-24,410 | ||
| Virginia | $110,640 | $121,980 | $-11,340 | ||
| Washington | $130,600 | $156,930 | $-26,330 | ||
| West Virginia | $93,810 | $120,820 | $-27,010 | ||
| Wyoming | $121,130 | $136,940 | $-15,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Petroleum Engineers or Physician Assistants?
On average across all states, a Physician Assistants earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $1,085 (0.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Engineers earn more than a Physician Assistants?
A Petroleum Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Physician Assistants in 9 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physician Assistants pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Engineers vs Physician Assistants?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineers is $127,161 per year, compared to $128,246 for a Physician Assistants, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Engineers or Physician Assistants?
There are more people employed as Physician Assistants. BLS reports approximately 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions and 145,290 Physician Assistants positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Engineers or Physician Assistants?
Both Petroleum Engineers and Physician Assistants 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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