Salary Range
$75,000 to $100,000+Overview
Petroleum engineers apply the principles of geology, physics, and the engineering sciences to the recovery, development, and processing of petroleum. As soon as an exploration team has located an area that could contain oil or gas, petroleum engineers begin their work, which includes determining the best location for drilling new wells, as well as the economic feasibility of developing them. They are also involved in operating oil and gas facilities, monitoring and forecasting reservoir performance, and using enhanced oil recovery techniques that extend the life of wells. There are approximately 33,500 petroleum engineers employed in the United States.
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor's DegreeCertification/License
RequiredOutlook
Little Change or More Slowly than the AveragePersonality Traits
Problem-Solving
Realistic
Scientific
Career Ladder
Senior Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer Trainee
Intern
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