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Petroleum Engineer

Quick Facts

Median Salary$124,760
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+41.09%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Petroleum Engineer designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from beneath the surface of the earth. Determines the best process of extracting a deposit of gas or oil, designs drilling equipment, and develops and improves methods of extraction.


Core 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.
  • Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
  • Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
  • Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
  • Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
  • Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
  • Confer with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve design, research, and testing problems.
  • Interpret drilling and testing information for personnel.
  • Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
  • Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
  • Evaluate findings to develop, design, or test equipment or processes.

What to expect as a Petroleum Engineer

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

74% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Petroleum Engineer related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

134 openings for Petroleum Engineers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Petroleum Engineer. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.