Petroleum Engineer
A Petroleum Engineer is a specialized professional responsible for the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. They develop and implement procedures to optimize extraction processes, design and modify equipment, and oversee operations in various settings, including oil fields and offshore rigs. This role requires a strong foundation in engineering principles, as well as geological and environmental knowledge, typically acquired through a bachelor's degree in engineering. With a median annual salary of approximately $135,690, the profession is characterized by a 2% growth outlook, indicating average employment opportunities.
Petroleum engineers often work in challenging environments, facing the physical demands of fieldwork or the analytical tasks in laboratories. Their duties include assessing the viability of drilling sites, collaborating with geologists, and ensuring safety standards are met throughout the extraction process. Key skills for success in this field include problem-solving, teamwork, and physical resilience. As the industry evolves, petroleum engineers also take on roles that emphasize environmental responsibility and the development of innovative extraction technologies.
Petroleum Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Engineering, engineering and technology, geology, oil and gas production, manufacturing, science
Earnings (Yearly Median): $135,690 per year $65.23 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Petroleum engineers develop and implement procedures for the extraction of petroleum and natural gas. They focus on increasing and optimizing oil and gas production, and to that end, they develop and modify tools and equipment, as well as oversee the extraction of these resources. Petroleum engineers supervise the treatment, storage, and transport of oil and gas, adhering to best practices and government regulations to ensure the safety, profitability, and efficiency of operations.
Work Environment. Petroleum engineers who specialize in the design aspects of petroleum extraction and recovery generally spend their workdays in laboratory settings, while those specializing in the monitoring or overseeing of drilling, storage, treatment, or transportation operations spend their workdays in oil fields or on offshore drilling rigs. Engineers working in offices or laboratories typically work a forty-hour week. However, due to the remote locations of many oil fields, petroleum engineers working in the field frequently work seven days a week, often for extended periods. Petroleum engineers are at risk for injuries caused by equipment malfunctions and exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the petroleum engineering profession are analytical and skilled at identifying and solving problems. Successful petroleum engineers are physically strong, enjoy working with machines, and work well in remote locations. Leadership, teamwork, and creativity are also desirable qualities in this profession.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Petroleum engineers work to locate and extract oil and natural gas from underground deposits. To this end, they assist geologists in exploring oil sites and well testing, travel to and from remote oil fields or offshore oil rigs, and assess subsurface oil and gas reservoirs' potential production levels and economic value. They review the geologic properties of proposed drilling areas to choose the most appropriate and efficient drilling methods and develop the procedures for extracting the resources. Petroleum engineers design and modify tools and equipment such as drilling rigs, compressors, and valves to aid extraction. They also review and implement safety standards and develop plans for treating, storing, and transporting oil and gas.
When drilling operations are underway, petroleum engineers oversee the process, including extracting contaminants from the oil or gas. They maintain logs of flow rates, production or recovery amounts, safety checks, and well testing data. They review this data and perform further research focused on enhancing recovery and extraction methods to increase the efficiency and profitability of the extraction process.
Some petroleum engineers may specialize in production oversight, equipment design and modification, safety inspection and enforcement, or treatment, storage, and transport. In addition, all petroleum engineers are responsible for satisfying environmental standards and preparing environmental impact statements as required.
Mining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineers (010.061-022). Mining and oil well equipment research engineers research to develop improved mining and oil well equipment.
Mining and Oilfield Equipment Test Engineers (010.061-030). Mining and oilfield equipment test engineers test mining and oilfield machinery and equipment.
Mud Analysis Well-Logging Captains (010.131-010). Mud analysis well-logging captains supervise and coordinate workers who analyze oil well drilling mud and well cuttings to detect the presence of oil and gas and to identify productive strata.
Chief Research Engineers (010.161-010). Chief research engineers coordinate research to develop improved methods of drilling wells and producing oil and gas.
Chief Petroleum Engineers (010.161-014). Chief petroleum engineers plan and direct the engineering activities of petroleum companies.
Chief Engineers (010.167-010). Chief engineers direct workers in engineering departments of petroleum production or pipeline companies and advise management on engineering problems.
Mud-Analysis Well Logging District Supervisors (010.167-014). Mud-analysis well logging district supervisors plan and direct mud-sample testing operations.
Oil-Well Services Superintendents (010.167-018). Oil-well services superintendents direct technical service activities to solve drilling and production problems.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most petroleum engineers work in remote field locations, such as oil fields and offshore oil rigs, while those engaged in research or equipment design work in laboratories and offices. They must observe safety procedures and wear protective clothing or hard hats when necessary.
Plant Environment. Petroleum engineers involved in oil and gas treatment may work or consult in a plant that removes contaminants from recently recovered oil and gas. Engineers working in a plant environment may experience physical risks from fumes, noise, or equipment malfunctions.
Human Environment. Petroleum engineers tend to work in teams, whether in a laboratory or on an offshore rig. They should be comfortable interacting with a wide range of professionals, including geologists, petroleum technicians, office staff, laboratory technicians, oil rig workers, supervising engineers, and company owners and shareholders.
Technological Environment. To complete their work, petroleum engineers use a wide variety of tools and equipment, including drilling machinery, compressors, valves, flow monitors, acids, and wellheads. They also use computers, Internet communication tools, cameras, production logs, and geologic charts and surveys.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a petroleum engineer should study geology, mathematics, and chemistry. Students interested in this career path will benefit from seeking internships or part-time work in the field. They may also participate in related extracurricular programs.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming petroleum engineers should work toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Coursework in mathematics, computer skills, and geology may also prove useful. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment in the field.
Related Occupations
− Chemist
− Environmental Science Technician
− Metallurgical/Materials Engineer
− Mining and Geological Engineer
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 17-2171 Petroleum Engineers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172171.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Petroleum Engineers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 5 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.