All About Petroleum Engineers
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.
A Day in the Life of a Petroleum Engineer
- Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
- 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.
- Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Petroleum Engineer Should Know
Petroleum Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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 Jobs
- Production Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Completions Engineer
- Well Logging Captain
- Prospecting Observer
Is There Job Demand for Petroleum Engineers?
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. 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.
Average Petroleum Engineers Salary
Petroleum Engineers make between $74,270 and $208,000 a year.
Petroleum Engineers who work in Indiana, New Jersey, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Petroleum Engineers 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Petroleum Engineers
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 education is needed to be a Petroleum Engineer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Petroleum Engineer?
Who Employs Petroleum Engineers?
The table below shows the approximate number of Petroleum Engineers employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.