Petroleum engineer
Also known as: petroleum geologist, reservoir engineer, petroleum engineers, gas engineer, oil and gas engineer, petroleum production technician
About this occupation
Petroleum engineers evaluate gas and oil fields. They design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underneath the earth's surface. They maximise the recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimum cost, pursuing minimal impact on the environment.
Essential skills and knowledge
- mathematics
- manage production fluid in oil production
- design well flow systems
- supervise staff
- prepare well formation evaluation programmes
- liaise with mine professionals
- compile reservoir performance plans
- chemistry
- select well equipment
- interpret extraction data
- use a computer
- liaise with well test engineers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Petroleum Engineers (O*NET 17-2171.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$144,910 a year (2025), 18,060 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.