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Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Tampa, FL office. At WGI, you will find ...

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Austin, TX office. At WGI, you will find ...

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Tampa, FL office. At WGI, you will find ...

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Austin, TX office. At WGI, you will find ...

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Austin, TX office. At WGI, you will find ...

Overview We are currently seeking an entry level Graduate Engineer- Electrical with 0-2 years of experience to be part of our MEP Engineering team in the Austin, TX office. At WGI, you will find ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering information

See salary details

$40.5K

$73.5K

$121K

How much do entry level graduate petroleum engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level graduate petroleum engineering in the United States is $73,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is earning $70,000 out of college with an engineering degree good?

For an entry-level petroleum engineering graduate, a starting salary of $70,000 is generally considered competitive and above the national average. Petroleum engineers often earn higher salaries due to the specialized nature of the industry, and salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and geographic location.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the petroleum engineering field, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or with bonuses and profit-sharing. Entry-level petroleum engineers typically earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with experience, advanced certifications, and managerial responsibilities.

What does an entry level graduate petroleum engineer do?

An entry level graduate petroleum engineer assists in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with data analysis, field operations, and the design of drilling and production techniques. Their responsibilities may include monitoring drilling sites, analyzing geological data, and ensuring safety and environmental standards are met. This role provides practical experience and foundational knowledge for a career in the petroleum industry. Over time, entry level engineers gain skills that prepare them for more advanced technical and project management roles.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level graduate petroleum engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level graduate petroleum engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork conditions, understanding complex drilling or production operations, and learning to use specialized industry software. Balancing field assignments with office-based analytical work and integrating feedback from experienced engineers can also be demanding. However, most companies provide structured training, mentorship, and clear guidance to help new engineers transition smoothly and build confidence in their technical and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering vs Entry Level Reservoir Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Graduate Petroleum EngineeringEntry Level Reservoir Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, or Geosciences
Work EnvironmentOil and gas exploration, drilling sites, office settingsReservoir analysis, simulation labs, field data interpretation
Employer & Industry UsageOil companies, service firms, energy sectorOil companies, consulting firms, energy industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering focuses on overall petroleum extraction processes, while Entry Level Reservoir Engineer specializes in subsurface reservoir analysis and management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to the oil and gas industry, but they differ in specific responsibilities and work environments.

What is the entry level salary for a Petroleum Engineer?

The entry-level salary for a petroleum engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on location, company, and educational background. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of industry software and safety protocols, with opportunities for salary growth with experience and additional certifications.

What can you do with a degree in petroleum engineering?

A degree in petroleum engineering prepares individuals for roles such as reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, or completions engineer in the oil and gas industry. Graduates typically work in exploration, extraction, and production operations, utilizing skills in geology, fluid mechanics, and industry-specific software. Certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can enhance career prospects, and work often involves fieldwork and adherence to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineer, a solid background in petroleum engineering or a related field, along with analytical and problem-solving skills, is essential. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Petrel, Eclipse, or MATLAB, as well as basic knowledge of drilling, production, and reservoir engineering techniques, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help graduates integrate into multidisciplinary teams and adjust to the field's dynamic environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, ensuring operational efficiency, and supporting safe and innovative energy solutions.
More about Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Graduate Petroleum Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,528 per year, or $35.4 per hour.
Graduate Acquisitions & Divestitures Engineer - Houston, Texas

Graduate Acquisitions & Divestitures Engineer - Houston, Texas

Morgan Stanley

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Morgan Stanley rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 146 rated financial services


Job description

Our Houston office is looking fora Graduate Petroleum Engineerto join theOil & Gas TechnicalTeam (A&D). Theposition will be joining a team comprised of petroleum engineering, geoscience and GIS expertise.

Position:

-Morgan Stanley's Houston-based Energy Investment Banking office

-Graduate Petroleum Engineer on the Oil and Gas Technical Team (A&D);team comprised of petroleum engineering, geoscience and GIS expertise

- Opportunity to work on material transactions in the Oil & Gas industry

Qualifications:

Education:

-Engineering Degree Required

oChemical Engineering / Computer Science or Software Engineering degrees strongly preferred

oPetroleum, Mechanical, or Electrical may be considered

-Superior academic achievement (>3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale)

Experience:

-1-2years relevant work experience preferred (Reservoir/Petroleum Engineer)

oWill consider 0 years for right candidate

-Must show a strong interest in Upstream Oil & Gas asset valuation

Skills and abilities (Required):

-Strong quantitative and analytical skills

-Advanced oral and written communication skills

-Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a team

-Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in high pressure settings with tight deadlines

-Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint advanced user

-Software coding experience (VBA Macro Development, Python or SQL)

-Basic understanding of database design and functionality (Microsoft Access)

Preferred:

-Decline Curve Analysis, SEC Reserve Definitions

-Experience with Enverus (DrillingInfo), Enerdeq, ARIES, PHDWin, Tableau, Spotfire

-Basic understanding of Petroleum Geology

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients - helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that's differentiated - and we've done that for 90 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren't just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There's also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents.

Our workforce reflects a broad cross-section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences.

For more information, please visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/people-opportunities/eeo.


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