Civil 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.
Civil Engineer
Design and oversee construction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $42,000/year (49%) higher than a Civil Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Civil Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Civil Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $128,485 | $186,913 | Civil $58,428 |
| New York, NY | $105,519 | $150,531 | Civil $45,012 |
| Seattle, WA | $122,246 | $179,550 | Civil $57,304 |
| Austin, TX | $97,185 | $144,160 | Civil $46,975 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,716 | $140,595 | Civil $46,879 |
| Boston, MA | $113,004 | $164,139 | Civil $51,135 |
| London, UK | £68,719 | £97,938 | Civil $29,219 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$105,381 | CA$168,625 | Civil $63,244 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Civil Engineer is $86,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $42,000 (49%).
Which has better career growth — Civil Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Civil Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Civil Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Civil 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 — Civil Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Civil Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.