Petroleum Engineer Career Guide

What Does a Petroleum Engineer Do?

Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production. They design facilities and plans to drill in oil and gas fields, analyze data to improve production and reservoir recovery, ensure oilfield equipment is properly installed and operated, and oversee drilling operations. They work with geoscientists to explore for oil and gas deposits and determine the best extraction methods. Specializations include completions engineers, drilling engineers, production engineers, and reservoir engineers.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or related field (mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering)
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license optional but valuable for experienced engineers; some employers prefer master's degree
• Key Skills: Analytical skills, communication, interpersonal skills, math (calculus), problem-solving
• Experience: None required for entry-level; internships during college highly valued by employers

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $141,280
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $78,840
• Experienced (90th percentile): $228,790
• Top-Paying Industries: Management of companies ($170,090), Oil and gas extraction ($164,960)
• Median Hourly Wage: $67.92 per hour

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,200 openings are projected each year to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. The need to facilitate oil and gas extraction at existing operations will create some demand. However, U.S. oil and gas production may fluctuate based on changes in global supply and demand or the future energy outlook, which could affect employment.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from an accredited program. Take high school classes in math (algebra, geometry, calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, physics). Consider a 5-year program leading to both bachelor's and master's degrees.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Apply for entry-level petroleum engineer positions or internships/co-op programs during college. Start with drilling, completions, production, or reservoir engineering roles.
3. Build Skills: Gain practical experience through internships with oil and gas companies. Develop proficiency in engineering software, thermodynamics, geology, and project management. Build understanding of environmental regulations.
4. Network: Join the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and attend industry conferences. Connect with alumni working in oil and gas companies.
5. Apply Strategically: Target oil and gas extraction companies (32% of jobs), support activities for mining (25%), and petroleum/coal products manufacturing (7%). Major employers include ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and Schlumberger.

Career Path & Advancement

Petroleum engineers typically start in field positions working on specific projects or wells. With experience, they advance to senior engineer roles overseeing multiple projects or specializing in drilling, production, or reservoir engineering. Some become engineering managers supervising teams of engineers and technicians. Others pursue specialized areas like carbon capture and storage, geothermal drilling, or subsurface hydrogen storage. PE licensure is valuable for advancement.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Petroleum Engineer, you might also consider:

• Chemical Engineer (median $121,860)
• Mining and Geological Engineer (median $101,020)
• Mechanical Engineer (median $102,320)
• Geoscientist (median $99,240)