Salary distribution
Where Sacramento petroleum engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $137,030 and $172,290, with a median of $163,310.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.4 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 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
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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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Sacramento metro compares to other major California metro areas for petroleum engineers.
- Los Angeles$161,320
- San Francisco$97,610
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in Sacramento, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the Sacramento metropolitan area is $163,310.
- Does Sacramento pay more than the California state average for Petroleum Engineers?
- The Sacramento metro median is +10.5% versus the California state median of $147,780.
- How does Sacramento compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?
- The Sacramento metro median is +11.2% versus the BLS national figure of $146,831.
- What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in Sacramento?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $130,500 and the 90th-percentile at $191,360 for the Sacramento 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Sacramento 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.