Engineering California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Petroleum Engineer Salary in California

The median petroleum engineer salary in California is $181,884 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $131,800.

Median Salary
$181,884
vs National
+$50,084
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Petroleum Engineer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $115,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $269,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$115,920
+$31,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$184,920
+$50,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$269,100
+$74,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $110,400
25th Percentile $140,760
Median (50th) $181,884
75th Percentile $231,840
90th Percentile $278,760

Petroleum Engineer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for petroleum engineers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in California

Education

Most petroleum engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Reservoir EngineeringDrillingGeologySimulation SoftwareProject ManagementData Analysis

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.