← All careers
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
Engineering
Petroleum Engineer
$144,910 · BLS medianAmong the highest-paid engineering fields — small but lucrative, tied to the energy sector. Top 10% >$253K.
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1
Bachelor's (petroleum/mechanical)A 4-year petroleum (or mechanical) engineering degree.◆ GMA Academy — STEM prep
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2
Pass the FE exam (EIT)The FE exam → Engineer-in-Training.◆ GMA jobs + mentor
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3
Work as an engineerReservoir, drilling, or production work.
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4
Earn the PE license · $145KThe PE license; top 10% >$253K.
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5
Senior engineer / managementSenior/lead or engineering management.
The flywheel: a PE license + field/reservoir experience compounds into senior and management roles in a high-pay, high-barrier specialty.