Life As a Petroleum Engineer
Occupation 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.
Daily Life Of a Petroleum Engineer
- Take samples to assess the amount and quality of oil, the depth at which resources lie, and the equipment needed to properly extract them.
- Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Inspect oil and gas wells to determine that installations are completed.
- Test machinery and equipment to ensure that it is safe and conforms to performance specifications.
Qualities of a Petroleum Engineer
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.
Other Petroleum Engineer Job Titles
- Well Site Drilling Engineer
- Project Reservoir Engineer
- Mud Analysis Well Logging District Supervisor
- Operations Manager
- Automation Engineer
Petroleum Engineer Employment Estimates
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,800 job openings in this field each 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.
Petroleum Engineer Average Salary
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 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 do I 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?
Petroleum Engineers Sector
Below are examples of industries where Petroleum Engineers work:
References:
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