What Petroleum Engineers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Petroleum Engineers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites"; "Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production"; "Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production"; "Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery"; "Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Petroleum Engineers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 18,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 18,800 in 2035, an increase of 300 jobs (+2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 1,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $144,910, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Petroleum Engineers earn the most
Published data currently covers Texas, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $164,019. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Petroleum Engineers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (17-2000) include Computer Hardware Engineers, Aerospace Engineers, Electronics Engineers, Except Computer and Electrical Engineers.
Frequently asked questions about Petroleum Engineers
What is the national median wage for Petroleum Engineers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $144,910.
What is the job outlook for Petroleum Engineers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 1,000 openings a year.
What education do Petroleum Engineers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.