Mechanical 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.
Mechanical Engineer
Design and develop mechanical systems, machines, and products.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $36,000/year (39%) higher than a Mechanical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Mechanical Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Mechanical Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $137,287 | $186,913 | Mechanical $49,626 |
| New York, NY | $110,856 | $150,531 | Mechanical $39,675 |
| Seattle, WA | $131,045 | $179,550 | Mechanical $48,505 |
| Austin, TX | $103,769 | $144,160 | Mechanical $40,391 |
| Chicago, IL | $96,233 | $140,595 | Mechanical $44,362 |
| Boston, MA | $118,320 | $164,139 | Mechanical $45,819 |
| London, UK | £67,166 | £97,938 | Mechanical $30,772 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,229 | CA$168,625 | Mechanical $61,396 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $92,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $36,000 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Mechanical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Mechanical Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Mechanical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Mechanical 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 — Mechanical Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Mechanical Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.