Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Petroleum engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, such as mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering. Employers also value practical experience, which students sometimes gain through internships. PayThe median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $144,910 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,000 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $144,910 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,000 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,000 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production.
Work Environment
Petroleum engineers generally work in offices or at drilling and well sites. Travel may be required to visit these sites or to meet with other engineers, oilfield workers, and customers.
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, such as mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering. Employers also value practical experience, which students sometimes gain through internships.
Pay
The median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $144,910 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,000 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Petroleum engineers generally work in offices or at drilling and well sites. Travel may be required to visit these sites or to meet with other engineers, oilfield workers, and customers.
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, such as mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering. Employers also value practical experience, which students sometimes gain through internships.
Pay
The median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $144,910 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,000 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for petroleum engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of petroleum engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about petroleum engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.