Petroleum Engineer Job Description, Career as a Petroleum Engineer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
income engineers oil gas degree
Education and Training: College
Salary: Median—$88,500 per year
Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile
Definition and Nature of the Work
Petroleum engineers design and supervise the process of getting oil and natural gas out of the ground and into storage tanks. Most of these engineers work for oil companies, but some work for firms that sell equipment and tools to oil companies. Others teach in colleges and universities or serve as consultants to industry and government.
When a site for a well is selected, petroleum engineers decide how to drill. They choose equipment and supervise workers who install and operate it. If oil or gas is found, petroleum engineers test samples of the oil-bearing rock layers. Then they test the reservoir where the oil or gas is located to see whether the oil or gas will flow by itself or whether it must be forced from the ground. The results of these tests help petroleum engineers choose the best methods and equipment for the job.
Petroleum engineers must bring the oil or gas to the surface as cheaply and safely as possible. Because oil and salt water are often found together, the engineers must also find ways of returning the salt water to the ground. If the salt water is spilled, it can damage crops and plants. When they are involved with offshore drilling, petroleum engineers try to prevent costly spills that waste oil and pollute water and shorelines. They also supervise the early stages of natural gas processing.
Because petroleum engineers know what it costs to produce oil and gas, some are employed by banks that lend money to oil companies. Others work for government agencies that regulate oil production. Experienced petroleum engineers help with research aimed at finding ways to recover a greater percentage of the oil and natural gas that exists in petroleum reservoirs.
Petroleum engineers discuss a drilling concern near a drilling rig platform.
Education and Training Requirements
The minimum requirement of education to become a petroleum engineer is a bachelor's degree. In some schools students can earn a degree in petroleum engineering. Other schools offer courses in the field. A degree in geology, geophysics, mining, or civil or mechanical engineering, plus course work in petroleum engineering, is good preparation. A master's or doctoral degree is usually necessary for a position in research or teaching.
Many large companies have formal training programs for beginners. Recent graduates generally start as assistants to experienced engineers. Engineers whose work affects public health and safety must be licensed in their state. Requirements for licensing generally include a degree in engineering, several years of work experience in the engineering field, and a passing grade on a test.
Getting the Job
College placement offices may be able to help prospective petroleum engineers get a job. Some companies send recruiters to campuses to find qualified engineers. Candidates can also apply directly to companies, and they should check the want ads in professional journals and magazines.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Experienced engineers can rise to top managerial positions in their company. Some start their own consulting firms.
While a decline in employment for petroleum engineers is expected, the number of graduates is about equal to the number of job openings, resulting in favorable opportunities. Oil and gas prices will also affect employment. When oil prices are high, petroleum engineers will be hired to seek oil and gas reservoirs. When prices are low, however, it is more economical to purchase oil and gas from other countries.
Working Conditions
Petroleum engineers work in the United States, on offshore rigs, and in foreign countries. Engineers involved in production can expect to work irregular hours, because most wells run day and night. Many jobs in oil production require engineers to move every few years.
Earnings and Benefits
Salaries vary depending on education and experience. The average starting salary for a petroleum engineer with a bachelor's degree is $61,516 per year. The median income for a petroleum engineer is $88,500 per year. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, insurance, and pensions.
User Comments
12 months ago
I presently a 300level student off the university of Lagos Nigeria,still working towards achieving my B.sc.I haven't a lot for now and i want to be a mud engineer,so i don't know if you can help build the skill needed.
12 months ago
hafeez ullah
i have wate of body 75 kg and hight is 5 feet 6 inchs
over 1 year ago
Could you possibly recommend which universities are really good in this area?
10 months ago
is there is any health problems regarding a petrolium engineer
over 1 year ago
Stephen Keen
Texas A&M is probably the best university in the world for petroleum engineering, followed closely by the University of Texas, Stanford University and the University of Oklahoma.
over 1 year ago
Am a Petroleum Engineer with no experience yet. but want to do my MSc. in Sustainable Energy Technology in TU Delft NL. pls advise me
3 months ago
Am in my 3rd yr in biochemistry n realy luv 2 b a petrochemical engineer. Pls advice me on wht 2 do.
about 1 year ago
Hello, I just wanted to thank everyone who participated in making this site, as well as those who wrote this information and took the time to put it online. As a graduating high school student, my school requires what they call a "Senior Project" in which students go out and research a job for the year and present it to the school at the end. For mine I chose Petroleum Engineering, and this page was incredibly helpful in two of my three research papers, and will cited for the school. Again, I wanted to thank you for the help, and this also helped me in deciding what courses I will be taking in college in order to get into this field.
11 months ago
I m proud that I m a petroleum engineer ,...
about 1 year ago
I WORK FOR IRANIAN OIL COMPANY FOR 2YEARS,I M RESERVOIR ENGINEERING.AND I WORKED IN PLATFORM NASR AND ILAM IN IOOC COMPANY.
10 months ago
Roy Abalon
Dear Sir,
i am enclosing my resume in this email. I am hoping for your kind consideration. I am available anytime for an interview anytime at your most convenient time.
thank you and God Bless!
Sincerely yours,
Roy C Abalon
5 months ago
Ali
I am Ali.I work for a Chinese company in Iran.I want to work for a good oil company abroad.would you help me?
7 months ago
i am proud to be a student of petroleum engineering, and cannot wait to leave the acadaemic world and be part of the Oil and Gas industry.
4 months ago
can one work as a doctor under oil and gas just incase of hazards.please reply me as soon as you get this cause am about to make a mistake.
8 months ago
i am a mechanical engg ,passed last year ,what course i must do so that i can get a good paid job in rig/oil field .i wish to work in oil industry. so now iam doing a course to get a safety officer certificate too. i also plan to work/practice in FACT AND KOC(OIL CORPORATION INDIA)CAN I GET A GOOD PAID JOB???
over 1 year ago
I am Nizam.Now i am working as a welding engineer.I have interest to start my career in petroleum engineering because it gives me more challenge and explosure.Please send me updates regarding this
6 months ago
parath
iam a mining engineering student after 2yers i'll complety my course.
6 months ago
I guess that to get the business loans from creditors you must have a firm reason. But, once I have got a secured loan, just because I was willing to buy a car.
8 months ago
i am join in petroleum engg at amet university please tell about that courses and how to find out the job
6 months ago
Add this code:
target="_blank"
after the URL in the HTML link code so that I can stay on this page when I click the link. Thanks for the helpful information!
7 months ago
Dabs
The minimum requirement of education to become a petroleum engineer is a bachelor's degree. In some schools students can earn a degree in petroleum engineering. Other schools offer courses in the field. A degree in geology, geophysics, mining, or civil or mechanical engineering, plus course work in petroleum engineering, is good preparation. A master's or doctoral degree is usually necessary for a position in research or teaching.
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
10 days ago
After 75 years of age - no chance to get a job.
I do speak several languages, have been on- and offshore in 15 different countries, have managed multi billion projects, but nobody wants such an experienced, but old agile man!
13 days ago
Hi Mr. Jackson.
29 days ago
i am a B.E petroleum and offshore engineer and i am searching for a job in this field as a driller .
please help me in this regard .
about 1 month ago
I'm interested in a Petroleum Engineering career, but where's all the Canadian Companies ?!
about 1 month ago
Dear sir,
Iam gradutate in petrochmical ( Bsc in petrochemical ) and diplomo in petrolium refinery Engineering,
mydream , i want to growth my carirer in offshore.. how to enter in to offshore i dont know ....kindly suggest me offshore jobs and what are the courses ineed to take
pls mil me ur valuable suggestion
Thanking you
Avvsnmurtyhuy
about 1 month ago
Dear sir,
Iam gradutate in petrochmical ( Bsc in petrochemical ) and diplomo in petrolium refinery Engineering,
mydream , i want to growth my carirer in offshore.. how to enter in to offshore i dont know ....kindly suggest me offshore jobs and what are the courses ineed to take
pls mil me ur valuable suggestion
Thanking you
Avvsnmurtyhuy
about 1 month ago
Thanks for help
3 months ago
Petroleum Engineers make quite a lot more today. Between $90,000 and $100,000 would be typical for a BS grad.
4 months ago
i want to the subjects that are essential to master if one intends to study petroleum engineering
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
4 months ago
i need to know more about petroleum engineering .their salary and list of subjects to offer
5 months ago
I am serious want to become a petroleum engineer. I need all the information to learn what to do and to become an engineer so I can work for the oil company!
Thank you for your concern!
Adson Betts
5 months ago
Jack Business Consultancy is top ranking employment consultant to prominent Oil & Gas Companies in Mozambique. We source qualified and potential employees on behalf of our various clients for the purpose of contractual and permanent employment.
We are currently and internationally sourcing for qualified personnel to fill in various vacant management positions for our clients.
To fill in the vacant positions, applicants must possess relevant qualification and a minimum of three years working experience in the same or related department and must meet industry professional standards.
The positions are as follows:
Drilling Superintendent
Drilling Supervisor / Engineers
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Superintendant
Day Drilling Supervisor
Night Drilling Supervisor
Offshore Installation Manager
Offshore Installation Manager
Installation Manager
Marine Control Room Operator
Horizontal Drilling Mentor/Coach
Technician/ Warehouseman
Drilling Rig Supervisor
Assistant Driller
To apply please send your applications, curriculum vitae and other relevant documents to our Admin Department email: (jacky.business.consultancy@admin.in.th)
5 months ago
Jack Business Consultancy is top ranking employment consultant to prominent Oil & Gas Companies in Mozambique. We source qualified and potential employees on behalf of our various clients for the purpose of contractual and permanent employment.
We are currently and internationally sourcing for qualified personnel to fill in various vacant management positions for our clients.
To fill in the vacant positions, applicants must possess relevant qualification and a minimum of three years working experience in the same or related department and must meet industry professional standards.
The positions are as follows:
Drilling Superintendent
Drilling Supervisor / Engineers
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Superintendant
Day Drilling Supervisor
Night Drilling Supervisor
Offshore Installation Manager
Offshore Installation Manager
Installation Manager
Marine Control Room Operator
Horizontal Drilling Mentor/Coach
Technician/ Warehouseman
Drilling Rig Supervisor
Assistant Driller
To apply please send your applications, curriculum vitae and other relevant documents to our Admin Department email: (jacky.business.consultancy@admin.in.th)