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.
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.
| Metric | U.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
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 & Equipment
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA