What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in San Francisco, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $143,590.

Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Petroleum Engineers?

The San Francisco metro median is 0.0% versus the California state median of $143,590.

How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?

The San Francisco metro median is -1.6% versus the BLS national figure of $145,981.

What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in San Francisco?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,420 and the 90th-percentile at $217,950 for the San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California: $144k Median ($57k–$218k Range)

Median annual$143,590

Mean annual$150,800

Range (10th to 90th)$57,420 to $217,950

San Francisco, California employment—

State vs national-1.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco 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 $143,580 and $165,560, with a median of $143,590.

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 San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for petroleum engineers.

Los Angeles$167,000
Sacramento$166,570

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Petroleum Engineers in San Francisco, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $143,590.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Petroleum Engineers?: The San Francisco metro median is 0.0% versus the California state median of $143,590.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Petroleum Engineers?: The San Francisco metro median is -1.6% versus the BLS national figure of $145,981.
What is the salary range for Petroleum Engineers in San Francisco?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,420 and the 90th-percentile at $217,950 for the San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.