Petroleum Engineer

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Work Tasks

• Search for underground oil or natural gas
• Work with experts to locate rocks where oil or gas is and figure out the best way to drill
• Make sure existing wells are used correctly
• Work in offices and labs or outdoors for energy and supply companies, consulting firms, government regulatory agencies, universities, and themselves as independent consultants or operators
• Work throughout the U.S. especially in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, and the Rocky Mountain and middle-Appalachian states, and overseas
• Work with computers, testing and analyzing equipment, drilling equipment, maps, geological data, and environmental observation equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $112,000 average per year ($53.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (28,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in engineering
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in petroleum engineering
• Certification/Licensing: Registration may be needed, which requires a degree, 4 years experience, and passing 2 tests.