Field Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

Side-by-side career comparison in oil & gas

	Field Engineer	Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary	$71,802 - $83,897	$87,357 - $125,066
BLS Median	$130,850 (BLS median)	$95,300 (BLS median)
Open Positions	33	35
Education	B.S. in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field	B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Key Certifications	Well Control Certification SafeLand/SafeGulf	PE License FE/EIT
Top Skills	excel customer relations data management critical evaluation organizational skills accountability ethical practice business acumen	excel drilling completions artificial lift hydraulic fracturing Mechanical Engineering Process Chemical Industry PFDs
Top Hiring Companies	Kiewit (4) Bechtel (3) STQ Partners (2) TMEIC (2) Level 10 Construction (1)	NOV (3) Kiewit (2) Acteon Group Ltd. (1) Kiewit Corporation (1) Engtal (1)
Experience Levels	Entry Level: 32, Student: 1	Student: 3, Senior Level: 6, Entry Level: 25, Mid Level: 1
Career Path	Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path →	Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path →

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