Petroleum Engineers

Career summary

Petroleum engineers determine where underground pools of oil may be located and how to remove the most oil for the lowest cost.

They analyze data about the oil including:

• The depth of the oil
• The type of rock around it
• The surface of the land above the oil

After their research, engineers determine where to locate the wells and what processes are required to force the oil to the surface. They calculate how much oil there is and how much it will cost to extract. They compare this amount to how much they can sell it for.

Drilling engineers

At the drill site, petroleum engineers supervise the drilling operations. Those who specialize in this part of the operation are called drilling engineers. They coordinate the activities of all the workers at the site and assign tasks to workers. They also:

• Supervise the construction of the drilling platform
• Test drilling machinery and equipment to make sure they are working properly
• Determine the drill rate
• Monitor how much oil is produced

Drilling engineers decide whether additional work must be done to increase the flow of gas. Once the gas is flowing at an acceptable rate, engineers plan and supervise the operation and maintenance of the well.

Petroleum engineering specialties

• Petrophysical engineers find oil by studying the rock where oil deposits are found.
• Geological engineers map the oil fields to determine the size, shape, and volume of the deposit.
• Reservoir engineers use computer models to estimate the amount of oil in a field.

Some petroleum engineers work in refineries. They determine the best use for petroleum-based products.

Research engineers develop and modify the methods and equipment used in oil production. They run tests on equipment and analyze the results. Sales engineers sell equipment and provide technical services to oil companies and drilling contractors.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Agricultural Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Environmental Engineers
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Materials Engineers
• Mining Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to petroleum engineers.

• Determine the profitability of an oil field. Estimate the cost of getting the product to the surface versus the price that will be received for the product.
• Monitor production rates. Determine how to increase the flow of oil.
• Analyze data to determine the best placement of wells and what processes are needed to force oil to the surface.
• Design and supervise changes made to wells. Determine how to increase the amount of oil and gas recovered.
• Direct evaluations, testing, and surveys of wells.
• Assist engineering and other personnel in solving operating problems.
• Develop plans for oil field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
• Keep records of drilling and production operations.
• Confer with others to solve design, research, and testing problems.
• Write technical reports for engineering and management personnel.
• Interpret drilling and testing information for coworkers.
• Create environmental controls on oil and gas operations.
• Coordinate the installation, maintenance, and operation of equipment.
• Supervise the removal of drilling equipment and waste. Make sure the land is stable once drilling is complete.
• Inspect oil wells to make sure they are working properly.
• Evaluate findings to develop, design, or test equipment or processes.
• Assign work to staff to obtain the best use of time.
• Coordinate activities of workers engaged in research, planning, and development.
• Use computers to test different drilling techniques.
• Take samples in order to test oil, and determine the equipment needed for removal.

Common work activities

Petroleum engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Document and record information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies
• Develop and build teams
• Think creatively
• Monitor and control resources
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, petroleum engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to coworkers, but also spend time alone analyzing information.
• Are responsible for the work done by drilling crews.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of drilling crews.
• Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors in labs and offices. May on occasion work outdoors at drilling sites and in oil fields.
• Work with coworkers, but in a separate office or many feet apart.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cause teams to drill where oil is not located. This would cost the company a lot of money.
• Repeat the same tasks over and over, such as supervising drilling operations.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impacts coworkers and the company.
• Rarely consult with a supervisor before setting their tasks and goals for the day. They can usually make most decisions without consulting with a supervisor.
• Are moderately competitive. They may compete with other companies.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week. Most work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work seven days a week, if working at a drill site as a drilling engineer.
• May be on-call in case of emergencies or changes in drilling conditions.
• May travel to remote areas and stay there for extended periods.

Physical demands

Petroleum engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for petroleum engineers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for petroleum engineers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Petroleum engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Petroleum Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering, General
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Mining and Mineral Engineering
• Petroleum Technology
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a petroleum engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

You must have at least a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. Many petroleum engineers have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. Some petroleum engineers receive their training in closely related programs, such as geophysics or geologic engineering.

Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in petroleum engineering. A smaller number of schools offer advanced degrees.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. You may work with an experienced engineer for up to a year.

You should consider participating in an engineering internship while you are in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Science
• Drafting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For entry-level jobs, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. Employers may require some field or technician experience. Requirements range from related summer employment to several years of professional experience. Some employers may require over ten years of experience.

Employers may require a master's degree or higher for research, consulting, and managerial jobs.

Employers prefer to hire petroleum engineers who are detail-oriented and analytical. Oral and written communication skills are also important. Employers look for people who can work on a team. Petroleum engineers may work with people from different cultures or countries.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers may have to pay for continuing education classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Petroleum Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of education, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Petroleum engineers who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most petroleum engineers work in the petroleum industry and related fields.

Major employers:

• Oil and gas extraction companies
• Companies providing support activities for mining
• Petroleum and coal products manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be slower than average. Employment growth depends on the price of gas and oil. If prices rise, gas companies will increase their exploration for new sources of gas in the United States. This should result in more jobs for petroleum engineers. When prices fall, it is cheaper to purchase gas and oil overseas. As a result, the demand for engineers declines.

Job opportunities are expected to be excellent. There will be more jobs than qualified candidates. In addition, job openings will occur as current engineers retire or leave this occupation. The best opportunities may include some work in other countries.

Other resources

About Petroleum Geology 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists 
PO Box 979
Tulsa, OK 74119-0979
800.364.2274
918.584.2555

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers 
1800 M Street, NW Suite 900 North
Washington, DC 20036
202.457.0480

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Geosciences Institute 
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480

Discover Engineering 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
280 Seneca Creek Road
Seneca, SC 29678

Petroleum industry career information 

Society of Exploration Geophysicists 
8801 South Yale Avenue, Suite 500
Tulsa, OK 74137
918.497.5500

Society of Petroleum Engineers 
PO Box 833836
Richardson, TX 75083-3868
800.456.6863
972.952.9393

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Petroleum Engineers (17-2171.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Chief Engineer (010.167-010) 
• Chief Engineer, Research (010.161-010) 
• Design Engineer, Mining-and-oil-field Equipment (010.061-010) 
• District Supervisor, Mud-analysis Well Logging (010.167-014) 
• Petroleum Engineer (010.061-018) 
• Research Engineer, Mining-and-oil-well Equipment (010.061-022) 
• Test Engineer, Mining-and-oil-field Equipment (010.061-030) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional