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.
Petroleum Engineers
SOC: 17-2171 O*NET: 17-2171.00
Median Salary
$144,910
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Petroleum Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$81,440
10th percentile
Early Career
$106,270
25th percentile
Median
$144,910
50th percentile
Experienced
$197,920
75th percentile
Top Earners
$253,200
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$81,440
25th
$106,270
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$144,910
Mean: $157,150
75th
$197,920
90th
$253,200
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $171,760 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $106,270 and $197,920
- •Salary spread is 63.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 18,060 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:18,500
Top Industries
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction50.8%
Oil and Gas Extraction32.7%
Oil and Gas Extraction32.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2%
Annual Openings:1,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)18,500
Current
2035 (Projected)18,800
+2%
+400
Employment Change
+2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Petroleum Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 22 locations
Texas
9,140 jobs$164,8605.60x
Oklahoma
1,450 jobs$153,0207.29x
Colorado
1,390 jobs$172,1904.16x
California
1,060 jobs$143,5900.50x
Louisiana
710 jobs$139,6403.17x
Pennsylvania
600 jobs$101,8800.85x
Michigan
580 jobs$01.14x
West Virginia
380 jobs$93,3604.68x
Wyoming
280 jobs$08.74x
Alaska
280 jobs$206,2907.53x
Utah
280 jobs$172,8401.40x
New Mexico
260 jobs$99,9002.59x
Ohio
200 jobs$99,2600.30x
Washington
190 jobs$134,8000.45x
Nebraska
150 jobs$100,8001.22x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Engineering and Technology
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Mathematics
94%
#5
Reading Comprehension
94%
#6
Written Comprehension
92%
#7
Physics
86%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
86%
#9
Deductive Reasoning
82%
#10
Systems Evaluation
80%
Skills Overview
Engineering and Technology
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Mathematics
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Written Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Physics
intermediate4.3
86%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Physics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Systems Evaluation
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Health Informatics Specialists100%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Industrial Ecologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Physics
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Speaking
- →Administration and Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Systems Evaluation
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Physics
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Systems Evaluation
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mathematics
- ★Physics
- ★Computers and Electronics
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Petroleum Engineers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Google Analytics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechEclipse IDE
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC#
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Google Analytics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Eclipse IDE
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
C#
C++
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (4)Planning & Development (7)Management & Supervision (3)General Responsibilities (4)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision91% perform94%
5
Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Petroleum Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Petroleum Engineers professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value working conditions
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Petroleum Engineers
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.47
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.38
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.34
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.19
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.16
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Achievement/Effort
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
Persistence
3.9
Innovation
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Petroleum Engineers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Petroleum Engineers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.2k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
713 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
637 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
618 program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
574 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
531 program completions/year
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
504 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
504 program completions/year
Northwestern Technological Institute
Southfield, MI
469 program completions/year