How to become petroleum engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$144,910
25th–75th pct. $106,270–$197,920
Top pay (est.)
$329,200
Top 10% $253,200
Pay in 5 years
$162,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$183,000est.
$157,400–$212,400
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
68%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.0%
1,000 openings / yr
How to become petroleum engineers
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Petroleum Engineers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersThinking CreativelyAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionFluency of IdeasDeductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as petroleum engineers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.