California · Petroleum Engineering

Best Petroleum Engineering institutions in California, ranked by earnings

Petroleum Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the production of hydrocarbons, including crude oil and natural gas. This program is designed for students interested in the upstream sector of the oil and gas…

Institutions
2
offering CIP 14.25
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
12
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,873
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
92%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Petroleum Engineers
$146,850
BLS OEWS 2024

2 institutions offering Petroleum Engineering in California

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Southern California
Los Angeles Private not-for-profit
1192%$26,873
2Stanford University
Stanford Private not-for-profit
192%$12,032

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Petroleum Engineers (SOC 17-2171).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+1.3%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~1,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$141,280
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingMonitoring

What Petroleum Engineers earn in California

Jobs in California
1,190
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$146,850
median $147,780
Best-paying metro
$157,000
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Related careers

Petroleum Engineers
$146,850 avg · 1,190 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Petroleum Engineering programs in California.

How much do Petroleum Engineers earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Petroleum Engineers in California is $146,850 (median $147,780), across about 1,190 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Petroleum Engineering program?+

Petroleum Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the production of hydrocarbons, including crude oil and natural gas. This program is designed for students interested in the upstream sector of the oil and gas…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, writing, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Petroleum Engineers?+

The national job outlook is about +1.3% growth with around 1,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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