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

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
1,060
public U.S. Median
$144,910
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$129,688 #8 of 16

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.

Is $143,590 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $143,590 is worth about $129,688 in national buying power — ranking California #8 for real pay (vs #6 on the sticker number).

See the full Petroleum Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Petroleum Engineer pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$61,780
$29.70/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$143,590
$69.03/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$207,370
$99.70/hr

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.

Petroleum Engineer salary in other states

All 16 states ranked arrow_forward

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