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Entry Level Petroleum Engineer information

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$42K

$80K

$136K

How much do entry level petroleum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level petroleum engineer in the United States is $80,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Entry level petroleum engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with senior or specialized roles in the industry, often involving extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities. Most petroleum engineers earn a median salary significantly lower, but top executives or highly experienced engineers in the oil and gas sector can reach or exceed this level with bonuses and profit sharing.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect as an entry-level petroleum engineer?

As an entry-level petroleum engineer, you will typically assist with collecting and analyzing data from drilling sites, monitoring production operations, and preparing technical reports for senior engineers. You may also help design and evaluate drilling and extraction strategies, while learning to use industry software and simulation tools. Most new engineers work as part of a team alongside experienced engineers, geologists, and field personnel, gaining exposure to both office-based analysis and occasional fieldwork. This hands-on involvement in ongoing projects helps you build practical skills, become familiar with company operations, and lays the groundwork for future advancement.

What Does an Entry-Level Petroleum Engineer Do?

As an entry-level petroleum engineer, your job is to help design and develop the equipment used to extract oil and gas during drilling operations. In this role, you may use software like AutoCAD to help create machines and products, assemble a sequence of work, develop permit plans, and perform calculations to determine the minimum yield strength. Petroleum engineering should not be confused with drilling—this job focuses on the machines used in the industry, not the work of using said machines, though you may occasionally visit work sites to ensure all machines are being used properly. Entry-level petroleum engineers usually work under the supervision of a senior engineer.

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, education, and company size. New engineers often start with internships or trainee positions that may offer lower pay but provide valuable industry experience.

How easy is it to get a job as a petroleum engineer?

Entry level petroleum engineering jobs can be competitive due to high demand for specialized skills such as reservoir modeling and drilling operations. Candidates with a relevant degree, internships, and professional certifications like PE or SWE have better prospects, especially in regions with active oil and gas exploration. Job availability often depends on market conditions and company hiring needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Petroleum Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Petroleum Engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, strong analytical abilities, and knowledge of engineering principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as PETREL, MATLAB, and reservoir simulation tools, as well as a basic understanding of safety regulations, is important. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help newcomers integrate into multidisciplinary teams and adjust to dynamic project requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring accurate data analysis, effective collaboration, and successful execution of engineering tasks in complex, solution-driven environments.

What is an Entry Level Petroleum Engineer job?

An Entry Level Petroleum Engineer is a beginner role in the oil and gas industry focused on designing and developing methods for extracting petroleum from underground reservoirs. They assist in analyzing geological data, optimizing drilling operations, and ensuring efficient resource recovery. Typically, they work under the supervision of experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience in field operations, reservoir management, and production techniques. This role often requires a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field.

How much does a first year petroleum engineer make?

A first-year petroleum engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, company, and educational background. Entry-level salaries may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and the role often requires knowledge of industry tools like drilling software and safety protocols.
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Entry Level Petroleum Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Petroleum Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Entry Level NDT Assistant (MT/PT/UTSW)

Entry Level NDT Assistant (MT/PT/UTSW)

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Tulsa, OK • On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 105 rated laboratories

Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is seeking Entry Level NDT Assistant (MT/PT/UTSW) technicians to support operations in Tulsa, OK. THIS WILL BE AN EMBEDDED POSITION.

NDT Assistants will assist in performing calibrations, Nondestructive Tests, and evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and record results.

Responsibilities
  • Set up and utilize Nondestructive Test equipment
  • Record results of inspections
  • Assist performing NDT procedures, carrying equipment and other operations
  • Perform other job related tasks as assigned by management
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Technical background desired
  • Must be able to have experience, credentials and history to be certified as Trustworthy & Reliable to comply with federal and state regulations, as determined by a thorough background check
  • Motor Vehicle Driving record must meet company standards to drive company vehicles
  • MUST BE ABLE TO PASS DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
Company Overview

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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