Aerospace Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Aerospace Engineer
Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $8,000/year (7%) higher than a Aerospace Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Aerospace Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Aerospace Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $174,621 | $186,913 | Aerospace $12,292 |
| New York, NY | $141,522 | $150,531 | Aerospace $9,009 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,451 | $179,550 | Aerospace $6,099 |
| Austin, TX | $131,599 | $144,160 | Aerospace $12,561 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,078 | $140,595 | Aerospace $12,517 |
| Boston, MA | $152,910 | $164,139 | Aerospace $11,229 |
| London, UK | £95,528 | £97,938 | Aerospace $2,410 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$160,782 | CA$168,625 | Aerospace $7,843 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Aerospace Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineer is $120,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $8,000 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Aerospace Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Aerospace Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Aerospace Engineer to Petroleum Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Aerospace Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.