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Petroleum Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Petroleum Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$69,670
Median Salary
$111,738
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.5%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,469,520
Entry (Early)
$69,670
Median (Prime)
$111,738
High (Prime)
$156,000

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+162k
+502k
+854k
$25k / yr
+72k
+412k
+764k
$50k / yr
-18k
+322k
+674k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
25
23
$25k / yr
40
28
25
$50k / yr
Never
31
27

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
66%
379%
703%
$50k / yr
-8%
148%
310%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate30.7%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Architecture and engineering occupations

19.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,670
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$166,834|$99,520
openings
174,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.8%

Engineers, All Other

6.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$109,309
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$126,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Management occupations

5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,938
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,058|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,543|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Postsecondary teachers

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,437
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,527|$76,460
openings
123,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%

Project management specialists

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$196,956
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,292|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Civil engineers

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$91,107
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,107|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Top executives

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,271
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$191,164|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,271
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,064|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
petroleum engineering.Bachelor's Degree23$77,469 - $145,353
petroleum engineering.Master's Degree20$192,907 - $192,907