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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Petroleum Engineers

Median Salary
135,690
Job Outlook
+5%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$85,810

10%

$135,690

Median

$208,000+

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    71%

  • Post-master's certificate

    15%

  • High school

    7%

  • Master's degree

    5%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Administration and Management

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.