Petroleum Engineers vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Petroleum Engineerss out-earn Industrial Engineerss by $42K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Petroleum Engineerss land at $144,910 and Industrial Engineerss at $102,440. The education gap is real: petroleum engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while industrial engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Petroleum Engineerss is Alaska ($206,290); for Industrial Engineerss it's Alaska ($156,510).
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 Industrial Engineerss?
Petroleum Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $144,910 for Petroleum Engineerss versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineerss, a difference of $42K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Petroleum Engineers or Industrial 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 Industrial Engineers?
Petroleum Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Industrial 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. Industrial Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Petroleum Engineerss earn $206,290 vs. $156,510 for Industrial Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.