Petroleum Engineer
28AI USED FOR28%moving to73%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £38,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
Petroleum Engineer
Civil engineers n.e.c. play a pivotal role in shaping our built environment, ensuring the infrastructure we rely on is safe, efficient, and sustainable. Their contributions are vital in tackling global challenges like climate change, urbanization, and resource management, making this a highly impactful career path in the UK and beyond.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI is used for very little of this work today
Hands-on work, caring for people and dealing with the real world are among the hardest things to automate, and this job leans on them. We have not yet formally classified its moat, so we make no claim either way, but the exposure score speaks for itself.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Petroleum EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior engineers in conducting surveys and analysing data, gaining hands-on experience in the field.£30,000 - £38,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Petroleum EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and mentoring junior staff while continuing to develop your technical skills.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Petroleum EngineerIn this peak career stage, you will oversee large projects, drive innovation in extraction techniques, and play a key role in strategic decision-making within your organisation.£70,000+
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L6Civil engineer60 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · DegreeAstronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · DegreeElectrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · DegreeElectronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeMechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · DegreeMechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · Degree