What is a Petroleum Engineer?
Job 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.
List of Petroleum Engineer Job Duties
- Coordinate the installation, maintenance, and operation of mining and oil field equipment.
- Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
- Design and implement environmental controls on oil and gas operations.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
- Conduct engineering research experiments to improve or modify mining and oil machinery and operations.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
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Skills Needed to be a Petroleum Engineer
When polled, Petroleum Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Prospecting Observer
- Mud Engineer
- Chief Engineer
- Oil Exploration Engineer
- Engineer
Petroleum Engineer Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 33,700 jobs for Petroleum Engineer in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 2,800 positions for Petroleum Engineer per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Petroleum Engineer
The salary for Petroleum Engineers ranges between about $74,270 and $208,000 a year.
Petroleum Engineers who work in Indiana, New Jersey, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
How much do Petroleum Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| 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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Petroleum Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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 kind of Petroleum Engineer requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Petroleum Engineer?
Who Employs Petroleum Engineers?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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