Occupation · SOC 17-2171
Petroleum Engineers
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
29 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSystems EvaluationJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisWritingSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsPhysicsComputers and ElectronicsChemistry
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareFinancial analysis softwareDevelopment environment software
Representative 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.Use drone technology for aerial surveying and monitoring of drilling sites.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Well records and drilling logs — compile and maintain under direct supervision in a field or office environment.Production rate data — gather and organize using spreadsheet software to support engineering team reviews.Engineering reports and technical documents — read and summarize key findings under guidance from senior petroleum engineers.Basic reservoir and formation concepts — apply foundational physics and chemistry knowledge when interpreting well data with supervisor oversight.CAD and analytical software tools — operate under direction to assist in drafting well plans and visualizing subsurface data.Well testing procedures and safety protocols — follow established checklists during field site visits alongside experienced engineers.Operating problems encountered by field personnel — assist in documenting symptoms and relaying technical information to senior staff.Economic cost data for drilling operations — input and verify figures in financial analysis software under structured guidance.Technical observations and findings — communicate verbally and in writing to immediate supervisors using standard reporting formats.Engineering and geology team meetings — participate as an active listener, noting action items and contributing basic analytical support.
developing
Well stimulation and modification programs — support specification and coordination activities with reduced oversight on active production sites.Production rate trends — monitor routinely using analytical software and flag anomalies to recommend rework process adjustments.Drilling and production operation records — maintain accurately and ensure compliance with regulatory and company documentation standards.Subsurface data sets — analyze using established reservoir engineering methods to assist in well placement recommendations.Well completion and evaluation workflows — execute and track progress, escalating non-routine issues to senior engineers as needed.Oil and gas field development plans — contribute technical sections covering drilling sequences and recovery processes under senior review.Well economic assessments — prepare cost estimates and production capability projections using financial analysis and ERP software.Field operating problems — diagnose familiar technical issues and propose solutions by applying systems analysis skills independently.Technical findings and engineering recommendations — present clearly in written reports and oral briefings to multidisciplinary project teams.Time and task priorities across multiple well projects — manage effectively, coordinating with operations and geology personnel on a day-to-day basis.
proficient
Well modification and stimulation programs — specify, supervise, and optimize autonomously to maximize oil and gas recovery across varied reservoir conditions.Production performance data — analyze using advanced analytical software to plan and execute rework processes that measurably improve field output.Complex drilling and production records — oversee and audit for accuracy, ensuring data integrity across multi-well programs and regulatory submissions.Reservoir and seismic data — interpret independently to recommend optimal well placement and supplementary enhanced recovery processes.Well completion, testing, and survey programs — direct and evaluate end-to-end, resolving non-routine technical challenges encountered in the field.Full-cycle oil and gas field development plans — develop covering drilling design, product recovery, and surface treatment for new or redeveloped assets.Economic viability assessments of potential drilling sites — conduct by integrating production forecasting, cost modeling, and risk analysis tools.Cross-functional operating problems — resolve by applying complex problem-solving and systems evaluation skills in collaboration with engineering, geology, and operations teams.Technical knowledge and industry best practices — apply active learning to continuously incorporate emerging technologies, including advanced CAD and simulation software.Regulatory, legal, and environmental constraints — navigate confidently when designing well programs and preparing documentation for governmental and corporate approval.
advanced
Field-wide drilling and development strategies — set organizational direction by integrating reservoir performance data, economic models, and long-range corporate objectives.Well stimulation and enhanced recovery innovation programs — lead by evaluating cutting-edge technologies and championing adoption across business units.Engineering talent pipeline — develop by mentoring junior and mid-level petroleum engineers, establishing competency standards and structured learning pathways.Cross-disciplinary technical teams — coordinate at the organizational level to align geology, drilling, production, and financial functions toward shared field development goals.Major capital investment decisions for drilling portfolios — inform by providing authoritative economic viability assessments and risk-adjusted production forecasts.Enterprise resource planning and data governance systems — oversee implementation and utilization to ensure consistent, high-quality production and operations data across the organization.Organizational problem-solving culture — model and instill by applying systems evaluation and critical thinking frameworks to resolve high-stakes operational and strategic challenges.Regulatory, government, and industry relationships — represent the organization in technical forums, advocating for standards and policy positions aligned with safe and efficient operations.Knowledge management and best-practice documentation — lead enterprise-wide initiatives to capture lessons learned from well programs and disseminate them across engineering teams.Long-term field economic performance — own accountability for, driving continuous improvement in production capabilities, cost efficiency, and asset value through senior leadership decisions.
Also known as
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Test EngineerProject Reservoir EngineerOperations EngineerDesign EngineerGas Distribution EngineerOil Exploration EngineerTest Engineer, Mining-and-Oil-Field EquipmentOil Well EngineerDistrict Supervisor, Mud-Analysis Well LoggingPetroleum Production EngineerChief Engineer, ResearchProspecting ObserverSupplier Quality Engineer (SQE)Natural Gas EngineerEngineerReservoir EngineerMining and Oil Field Equipment Test EngineerWell Surveying EngineerChief EngineerGas Turbine EngineerGas EngineerResearch EngineerMining and Oil Field Equipment Design EngineerResearch Engineer, Mining-and-Oil-Well EquipmentPetroleum EngineerOil Drilling EngineerDrilling EngineerCompletions EngineerPetroleum Supply SpecialistLogging EngineerCompletion EngineerDesign Engineer, Mining-and-Oil-Field EquipmentOil and Gas EngineerReservoir Engineering ConsultantProject Production EngineerNatural Gas AnalystCertification EngineerMud EngineerPipeline EngineerMining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineer