National Salary Overview
VS
Sales Managers earns $5,106 more (4.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$127,161
$132,268
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,521
$149,870
Total Employment
19,770
572,710
States with Higher Pay
12
14
Salary by State: Petroleum Engineers vs Sales Managers
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Petroleum Engineers pays more in 12 states; Sales Managers pays more in 14.
| State | Petroleum Engineers | Sales Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $134,750 | $93,050 | +$41,700 | ||
| Arizona | $143,520 | $122,880 | +$20,640 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,180 | $121,820 | $-30,640 | ||
| California | $134,330 | $131,740 | +$2,590 | ||
| Colorado | $170,010 | $176,700 | $-6,690 | ||
| Florida | $153,530 | $128,810 | +$24,720 | ||
| Illinois | $136,190 | $135,680 | +$510 | ||
| Kansas | $116,280 | $147,800 | $-31,520 | ||
| Louisiana | $136,950 | $107,340 | +$29,610 | ||
| Michigan | $108,520 | $141,620 | $-33,100 | ||
| Minnesota | $160,420 | $134,290 | +$26,130 | ||
| Montana | $99,220 | $120,820 | $-21,600 | ||
| Nebraska | $95,590 | $116,470 | $-20,880 | ||
| New Jersey | $212,230 | $170,690 | +$41,540 | ||
| New Mexico | $128,070 | $105,010 | +$23,060 | ||
| North Dakota | $131,260 | $119,960 | +$11,300 | ||
| Ohio | $104,140 | $134,440 | $-30,300 | ||
| Oklahoma | $132,360 | $122,000 | +$10,360 | ||
| Oregon | $124,170 | $125,890 | $-1,720 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $85,810 | $130,600 | $-44,790 | ||
| Texas | $147,840 | $127,560 | +$20,280 | ||
| Utah | $103,650 | $130,220 | $-26,570 | ||
| Virginia | $110,640 | $158,000 | $-47,360 | ||
| Washington | $130,600 | $169,680 | $-39,080 | ||
| West Virginia | $93,810 | $103,870 | $-10,060 | ||
| Wyoming | $121,130 | $137,560 | $-16,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Petroleum Engineers or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Sales Managers earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $5,106 (4.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Petroleum Engineers earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Petroleum Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 12 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Petroleum Engineers vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineers is $127,161 per year, compared to $132,268 for a Sales Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Petroleum Engineers or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions and 572,710 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Petroleum Engineers or Sales Managers?
Both Petroleum Engineers and Sales Managers 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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