Energy
At A Glance: Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers work to improve oil and gas extraction and production processes and determine when tool designs need to be replaced and changed. They also oversee drilling processes. Petroleum engineers require several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training or vocational training. They earn approximately $65.95 an hour, and the need for Petroleum Engineers typically grows at a much higher than average rate - at about 15% or more per year.
Positions related to petroleum engineers include logistics engineers, mining and geological engineers, validation engineers, energy engineers, and geoscientists.
Entry Level Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
To become a petroleum engineer, a student must complete a bachelor's degree.
Energy industry equals
$14 Billion
of the Tri-state area's gross regional product (GRP).
How much can I make?
Hourly Rate: $36 - $116/HR.
Job Details: Petroleum Engineer
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Commonly Performed Tasks
Petroleum engineers regularly assess costs and estimate production capabilities, evaluate economic viability of potential drilling sites, and develop plans for drilling. Petroleum engineers direct and monitor well construction, testing, and surveys and analyze data for well placement and supplementary processes for production enhancement. Day-to-day, they monitor production rates and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells
- Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production
- Monitor production rates, and rework processes to improve production when necessary
Required Job Skills
Petroleum engineers need specific skills to do their jobs effectively. They must be able to read and understand complex information, be an active listener, and be comfortable putting their thoughts into words to communicate with others. Petroleum engineers must be able to solve complex problems, engage in critical thinking, and communicate effectively in writing.
- Comprehend complex informational text and visuals
- Effective oral and written communication
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Education & Training Information
Programs and Opportunities
Robert Morris University
Program: Engineering - Industrial
Certification: Bachelor's Degree
Length: 4 Years