National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $14,927 more (11.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,161
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,521
$150,629
Total Employment
19,770
16,960
States with Higher Pay
6
11
Salary by State: Petroleum Engineers vs Physicists
Showing 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Engineers pays more in 6 states; Physicists pays more in 11.
| State | Petroleum Engineers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $143,520 | $201,600 | $-58,080 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,180 | $128,640 | $-37,460 | ||
| California | $134,330 | $178,700 | $-44,370 | ||
| Colorado | $170,010 | $137,150 | +$32,860 | ||
| Florida | $153,530 | $141,710 | +$11,820 | ||
| Illinois | $136,190 | $144,620 | $-8,430 | ||
| Michigan | $108,520 | $96,410 | +$12,110 | ||
| Minnesota | $160,420 | $110,110 | +$50,310 | ||
| New Jersey | $212,230 | $164,330 | +$47,900 | ||
| New Mexico | $128,070 | $171,670 | $-43,600 | ||
| Ohio | $104,140 | $136,880 | $-32,740 | ||
| Oklahoma | $132,360 | $174,770 | $-42,410 | ||
| Oregon | $124,170 | $179,800 | $-55,630 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $85,810 | $165,600 | $-79,790 | ||
| Utah | $103,650 | $127,640 | $-23,990 | ||
| Virginia | $110,640 | $128,880 | $-18,240 | ||
| Washington | $130,600 | $106,300 | +$24,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Petroleum Engineers or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $14,927 (11.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Engineers earn more than a Physicists?
A Petroleum Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 6 out of 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Engineers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineers is $127,161 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Engineers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Engineers or Physicists?
Both Petroleum Engineers and Physicists 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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