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  1. Occupations
  2. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

SOC: 17-2171.00

Common Job Titles

  • Drilling Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Reservoir Engineer

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Petroleum Engineers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

18,970

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $78,840. 25th percentile: U.S. $107,330. 50th percentile: U.S. $141,280. 75th percentile: U.S. $191,100. 90th percentile: U.S. $228,790. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$78,840
10% of workers earn the following or more$228,790
Workers on average earn$153,560

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Engineering and Technology4.4/5
  • Mathematics4.1/5
  • Physics3.5/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.5/5
  • Chemistry3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C#
  • C++
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Google Analytics
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Technology Skills

  • Computer Modelling Group CMG STARS
  • DFA Capital Management GEMS
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Finite element analysis FEA software
  • GeoGraphix ARIES Portfolio
  • IBM Notes
  • IHS Petra
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computer scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Personal digital assistants PDA

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 17-2151.00
  • Chemical Engineers 17-2041.00
  • Water/Wastewater Engineers 17-2051.02
  • Geothermal Production Managers 11-3051.02
  • Industrial Engineers 17-2112.00

Moderately Similar

  • Environmental Engineers 17-2081.00
  • Mechanical Engineers 17-2141.00
  • Electrical Engineers 17-2071.00
  • Civil Engineers 17-2051.00
  • Manufacturing Engineers 17-2112.03

Related

  • Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 19-4043.00
  • Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 51-8093.00
  • Wellhead Pumpers 53-7073.00
  • Gas Plant Operators 51-8092.00
  • Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026.00
  • Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas 47-5013.00
  • Geothermal Technicians 49-9099.01
  • Marine Engineers and Naval Architects 17-2121.00
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3027.00
  • Power Plant Operators 51-8013.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateCertificate in Geotechnical EngineeringIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateGeotechnical Engineering — Graduate CertificateIssuer: Auburn University
  • CertificationPetroleum Engineering CertificationIssuer: Society of Petroleum Engineers
  • Bachelor's DegreePetroleum EngineeringIssuer: Colorado School of Mines
  • Master's DegreePetroleum EngineeringIssuer: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateDes Comp Model Geo SystemsIssuer: Clemson University
  • Master's DegreeCurrent Energy Issues-CertificateIssuer: Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Master's DegreePetroleum EngineerIssuer: Colorado School of Mines
  • CertificateGeotechnical EngineeringIssuer: Rowan University
  • Master's DegreeMasters of Geotechnical EngineeringIssuer: Illinois Institute of Technology