verified BLS-Verified
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2025 release
Petroleum Engineer Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$143,590/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$69.03/hr
▼ 1% below U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
1,060
public U.S. Median
$144,910
trending_up National Outlook
+2%
Petroleum Engineer pay in California, explained
Petroleum engineers in California earn a median of $143,590 per year ($69.03 per hour), which is 1% below the national median of $144,910. Entry-level workers earn around $61,780, while the most experienced petroleum engineers reach about $207,370. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Petroleum Engineer in California: FAQ
How much do petroleum engineers make in California?
Petroleum engineers in California earn a median of $143,590 per year ($69.03 per hour), compared with $144,910 nationally.
Does California pay petroleum engineers well?
At $143,590, California pays 1% below the national median for petroleum engineers. An estimated 1,060 work in the state.