Environmental 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.
Environmental Engineer
Design systems to protect and improve environmental quality.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $40,000/year (45%) higher than a Environmental Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Environmental Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Environmental Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $126,105 | $186,913 | Environmental $60,808 |
| New York, NY | $106,415 | $150,531 | Environmental $44,116 |
| Seattle, WA | $126,941 | $179,550 | Environmental $52,609 |
| Austin, TX | $96,277 | $144,160 | Environmental $47,883 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,017 | $140,595 | Environmental $47,578 |
| Boston, MA | $114,779 | $164,139 | Environmental $49,360 |
| London, UK | £67,536 | £97,938 | Environmental $30,402 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$115,698 | CA$168,625 | Environmental $52,927 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Environmental Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Environmental Engineer is $88,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $40,000 (45%).
Which has better career growth — Environmental Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Environmental Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Environmental Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Environmental 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 — Environmental Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Environmental Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.