What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $161,320.

Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Petroleum Engineers?

The Los Angeles metro median is +9.2% versus the California state median of $147,780.

How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?

The Los Angeles metro median is +9.9% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.

What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,760 and the 90th-percentile at $198,640 for the Los Angeles metro area.

What education is required for Petroleum Engineers?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Petroleum Engineers Salary in Los Angeles, California

Median annual$161,320

Mean annual$148,620

Range (10th to 90th)$85,760 to $198,640

Los Angeles, California employment300

State vs national+9.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Los Angeles petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $126,990 and $166,550, with a median of $161,320.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
02
Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
03
Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
04
Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
05
Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
06
Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
07
Assign work to staff to obtain maximum utilization of personnel.
08
Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.

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Other metros in California

How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for petroleum engineers.

Sacramento$163,310
San Francisco$97,610

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $161,320.
Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Petroleum Engineers?: The Los Angeles metro median is +9.2% versus the California state median of $147,780.
How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?: The Los Angeles metro median is +9.9% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in Los Angeles?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,760 and the 90th-percentile at $198,640 for the Los Angeles metro area.
What education is required for Petroleum Engineers?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.