Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers develop and improve methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. They design drilling equipment, analyze production data, and solve technical problems at extraction sites. Most work for energy companies, either onsite at drilling operations or in offices managing projects and reviewing engineering solutions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against petroleum engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A petroleum engineer might spend time analyzing well performance data, designing drilling procedures for a new site, or troubleshooting equipment failures. They coordinate with drilling crews, review safety protocols, and evaluate whether existing methods need adjustment. Some days involve fieldwork inspecting drilling operations; other days focus on computer modeling, calculations, and report writing in an office setting.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy solving practical problems and understanding how systems work. You're comfortable with detailed technical analysis and want to see concrete results from your work. A background in math and physics, combined with patience for both hands-on investigation and data review, serves you well in this career.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Petroleum Engineer · Office of the Secretary of the Interior · Location Negotiable After Selection · $125776–$163514
- Interdisciplinary Supv Archeologist, Nat. Resource Spec., Petroleum Engineer, Physical Scientist · Bureau of Land Management · Salt Lake City, Utah · $106823–$138868
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $174,050 | $206,290 | $219,480 | 280 |
| Utah | $122,000 | $172,840 | $186,860 | 280 |
| Colorado | $112,070 | $172,190 | $214,220 | 1,390 |
| Texas | $123,450 | $164,860 | $220,330 | 9,140 |
| Oklahoma | $124,460 | $153,020 | $178,470 | 1,450 |
| California | $126,500 | $143,590 | $171,980 | 1,060 |
| Louisiana | $89,880 | $139,640 | $178,810 | 710 |
| Washington | $129,510 | $134,800 | $176,740 | 190 |
| North Dakota | $98,510 | $132,120 | $158,280 | 130 |
| Kansas | $92,650 | $115,640 | $127,820 | 110 |
| Montana | $80,380 | $104,060 | $137,540 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $96,040 | $101,880 | $138,890 | 600 |
All 16 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Petroleum Engineering Certification (PEC) — Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Certified Petroleum Journeyman - Level 2 (CPJ) — National Petroleum Management Association
- Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) — International Council for Machinery Lubrication
- Certified Petroleum Craftsman - Level 4 (CPC) — National Petroleum Management Association
- Certified Petroleum Professional - Level 5 (CPP) — National Petroleum Management Association
- Certified Petroleum Journeyman - Level 3 (CPA) — National Petroleum Management Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against petroleum engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2171.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.