Petroleum Engineer vs Systems Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Systems Engineer
Design and oversee the integration of complex technical systems from concept to delivery.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $18,000/year (16%) higher than a Systems Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Petroleum Engineer vs Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Petroleum Engineer | Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $186,913 | $159,230 | Petroleum +$27,683 |
| New York, NY | $150,531 | $133,270 | Petroleum +$17,261 |
| Seattle, WA | $179,550 | $158,407 | Petroleum +$21,143 |
| Austin, TX | $144,160 | $125,233 | Petroleum +$18,927 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,595 | $120,640 | Petroleum +$19,955 |
| Boston, MA | $164,139 | $143,255 | Petroleum +$20,884 |
| London, UK | £97,938 | £85,646 | Petroleum +$12,292 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$168,625 | CA$145,108 | Petroleum +$23,517 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Petroleum Engineer or Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Petroleum Engineer is $128,000/year, compared to $110,000/year for a Systems Engineer — a difference of $18,000 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Petroleum Engineer or Systems Engineer?+
Petroleum Engineer roles are growing at 4% YoY while Systems Engineer demand is growing at 14% YoY. Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Petroleum Engineer to Systems 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 — Petroleum Engineer or Systems Engineer?+
Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.