Petroleum Engineers vs. Civil Engineers: Who Earns More?
Petroleum Engineerss out-earn Civil Engineerss by $44K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Petroleum Engineerss land at $144,910 and Civil Engineerss at $100,840. The education gap is real: petroleum engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while civil engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Petroleum Engineerss is Alaska ($206,290); for Civil Engineerss it's California ($122,500).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Petroleum Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Petroleum Engineerss or Civil Engineerss?
Petroleum Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $144,910 for Petroleum Engineerss versus $100,840 for Civil Engineerss, a difference of $44K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Petroleum Engineers or Civil Engineers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Petroleum Engineers or Civil Engineers?
Petroleum Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Civil Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Petroleum Engineerss get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Petroleum Engineerss at $206,290/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Petroleum Engineers vs. Civil Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Petroleum Engineerss earn $206,290 vs. $114,730 for Civil Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.