Chemical 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.
Chemical Engineer
Design and optimise chemical processes for manufacturing and production.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $24,000/year (23%) higher than a Chemical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chemical Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chemical Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,181 | $186,913 | Chemical $37,732 |
| New York, NY | $126,802 | $150,531 | Chemical $23,729 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,848 | $179,550 | Chemical $27,702 |
| Austin, TX | $115,150 | $144,160 | Chemical $29,010 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,398 | $140,595 | Chemical $27,197 |
| Boston, MA | $136,395 | $164,139 | Chemical $27,744 |
| London, UK | £81,580 | £97,938 | Chemical $16,358 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,078 | CA$168,625 | Chemical $30,547 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chemical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Chemical Engineer is $104,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $24,000 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Chemical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Chemical Engineer roles are growing at 8% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Chemical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chemical 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 — Chemical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Chemical Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.