Petroleum Engineers Salary in California
Petroleum Engineers in California earn a median of $143,590 a year, −1% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $143,590
- vs. U.S. median
- −1% ($144,910)
- Rank among states
- 6 of 16
- Jobs in the state
- 1,060
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $61,780; the top 10% earn over $207,370. Nationally the range is $81,440 to $253,200.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$158,130 median in California
- Environmental Engineers$130,410 median in California
- Water/Wastewater Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Water Resource Specialists$210,230 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Wind Energy Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
Petroleum Engineers pay in California
How much do petroleum engineers make in California?
The median is $143,590 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $61,780 and the top 10% earn over $207,370. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for petroleum engineers?
On pay alone it ranks 6 of 16 (−1% vs. the national median of $144,910). Living costs are not included.