Structural 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.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs.
Petroleum Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $34,000/year (36%) higher than a Structural Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Structural Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Structural Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $132,928 | $186,913 | Structural $53,985 |
| New York, NY | $115,250 | $150,531 | Structural $35,281 |
| Seattle, WA | $133,928 | $179,550 | Structural $45,622 |
| Austin, TX | $103,233 | $144,160 | Structural $40,927 |
| Chicago, IL | $99,645 | $140,595 | Structural $40,950 |
| Boston, MA | $125,714 | $164,139 | Structural $38,425 |
| London, UK | £71,504 | £97,938 | Structural $26,434 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$125,929 | CA$168,625 | Structural $42,696 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Structural Engineer or Petroleum Engineer earn more?+
A Petroleum Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Structural Engineer is $94,000/year, compared to $128,000/year for a Petroleum Engineer — a difference of $34,000 (36%).
Which has better career growth — Structural Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Structural Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Petroleum Engineer demand is growing at 4% YoY. Structural Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Structural 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 — Structural Engineer or Petroleum Engineer?+
Structural Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.