Petroleum Engineers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $144,910/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
• Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
• Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
• Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
• Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
• Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
• Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
• Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
What's the median pay for Petroleum Engineers?
The median pay for Petroleum Engineers is $144,910 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Petroleum Engineers?
Employment for Petroleum Engineers is projected to change +1.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Petroleum Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Petroleum Engineers?
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.