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Engineering and Architecture

Petroleum Engineers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Petroleum Engineers
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Median pay

$141,280
Median annual pay for Petroleum Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

19,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Petroleum Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Petroleum Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Physics
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Chemistry
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Intellectual Curiosity
  5. 5Innovation
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Processing Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologySAS · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyR · hot technologyPython · hot technologyOracle Java · hot technologyOracle Database · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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