Life As a Petroleum Engineer
Career Description 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 Do Petroleum Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Design and implement environmental controls on oil and gas operations.
- Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
- Evaluate findings to develop, design, or test equipment or processes.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Conduct engineering research experiments to improve or modify mining and oil machinery and operations.
- Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
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Petroleum Engineer Required Skills
These are the skills Petroleum Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Petroleum Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Mud Analysis Well Logging District Supervisor
- Prospecting Observer
- Project Production Engineer
- Reservoir Engineering Consultant
Job Opportunities for Petroleum Engineers
There were about 33,700 jobs for Petroleum Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,100 new jobs for Petroleum Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,800 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Petroleum Engineer are Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in California, Alaska, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Petroleum Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Petroleum Engineer ranges between $74,270 and $208,000.
Petroleum Engineers who work in Indiana, New Jersey, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
How much do Petroleum Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $115,180 |
| Alaska | $161,290 |
| Arizona | $137,830 |
| California | $142,430 |
| Colorado | $153,640 |
| Hawaii | $121,050 |
| Illinois | $131,510 |
| Indiana | $198,590 |
| Kansas | $118,160 |
| Louisiana | $145,880 |
| Montana | $141,530 |
| New Jersey | $194,340 |
| North Dakota | $124,880 |
| Ohio | $94,270 |
| Oklahoma | $146,990 |
| Pennsylvania | $122,510 |
| Texas | $169,010 |
| West Virginia | $111,400 |
| Wyoming | $115,250 |
What Tools & Technology do Petroleum Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Petroleum Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- R
- Oracle software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Google Analytics
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Petroleum Engineer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Petroleum Engineers Are Employed
Petroleum Engineers work in the following industries:
References:
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