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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Petroleum Engineers to increase by 2.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 18,500 to 18,800 jobs. Its estimate of 1,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($144,910), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
18,500
Projected employment (2034)
18,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,000
Pay & Preparation
$144,910
Bachelor's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Critical Thinking (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Writing (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Systems Evaluation (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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