Petroleum Engineers vs Psychiatrists: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Petroleum Engineers

Median Salary
$127,161
Average (Mean)
$133,521
Employed Nationwide
19,770
VS

Psychiatrists

Median Salary
$179,113
Average (Mean)
$199,794
Employed Nationwide
10,640
Psychiatrists earns $51,951 more (40.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $127,161 $179,113
Average (Mean) Salary $133,521 $199,794
Total Employment 19,770 10,640
States with Higher Pay 1 6

Salary by State: Petroleum Engineers vs Psychiatrists

Showing 7 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Engineers pays more in 1 states; Psychiatrists pays more in 6.

State Petroleum Engineers Psychiatrists Difference
Alaska $134,750
$134,870
$-120
Arkansas $91,180
$120,530
$-29,350
Illinois $136,190
$171,370
$-35,180
Ohio $104,140
$221,460
$-117,320
Oklahoma $132,360
$234,580
$-102,220
Texas $147,840
$208,750
$-60,910
West Virginia $93,810
$63,290
+$30,520

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Petroleum Engineers or Psychiatrists?
On average across all states, a Psychiatrists earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $51,951 (40.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Engineers earn more than a Psychiatrists?
A Petroleum Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatrists in 1 out of 7 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatrists pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Engineers vs Psychiatrists?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineers is $127,161 per year, compared to $179,113 for a Psychiatrists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Engineers or Psychiatrists?
There are more people employed as Petroleum Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions and 10,640 Psychiatrists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Engineers or Psychiatrists?
Both Petroleum Engineers and Psychiatrists 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.