Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production.
Is petroleum engineers a good career?
It scores 27/100 and ranks #167 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($144,910 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.3%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What petroleum engineers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. petroleum engineers earn between $106,270 and $197,920 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live petroleum engineers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
College students typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering. High school students interested in studying petroleum engineering may benefit from taking classes in math, such as algebra, geometry, and calculus; and science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Bachelor’s degree engineering programs usually include academic, laboratory, and field work in subjects such as engineering principles, geology, and thermodynamics. College students may have an opportunity to participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Through partnerships with local businesses, these programs allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education.
Some colleges and universities offer a 5-year engineering program that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who graduated from an engineering program accredited by a professional association.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level petroleum engineer positions. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.
State licensure typically requires a bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam.
Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.
Advancement
Petroleum engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians, becoming engineering managers.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Petroleum engineers must be able to evaluate data to monitor and improve production.
Communication skills. Petroleum engineers must be able to explain and present complex, technical information to a variety of audiences, including nontechnical ones.
Interpersonal skills. Petroleum engineers must be able to interact with other types of engineers and with nontechnical oil and gas workers.
Math skills. Petroleum engineers use calculus and other math in their analysis, design, and troubleshooting work.
Problem-solving skills. Petroleum engineers must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise and address them as safely and efficiently as possible.
Related occupations
How much do petroleum engineers make?
The national median wage is $144,910 a year, with the middle half earning between $106,270 and $197,920 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is petroleum engineers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 27 of 100 and ranks #167 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a petroleum engineer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do petroleum engineers earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($206,290). Local pay for every state and metro is below.