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Entry Level Petroleum Engineering information

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$42K

$80K

$136K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level petroleum engineering 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 is the difference between Entry Level Petroleum Engineering vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Petroleum EngineeringEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, possibly some internshipsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internships or co-ops beneficial
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, drilling sites, exploration companiesManufacturing plants, design offices, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, energy sectorManufacturing, automotive, aerospace industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in petroleum vs mechanical engineering

Entry Level Petroleum Engineering focuses on oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production, often in field environments. In contrast, Entry Level Mechanical Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and maintaining mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and internships, but they differ in work settings and industry focus.

What is the entry level salary for a petroleum engineer?

Entry-level petroleum engineers typically earn a starting salary between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, education, and company size. They often work in exploration, drilling, and production environments, utilizing skills in geology, reservoir engineering, and computer modeling.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Petroleum Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, along with a solid grasp of mathematics, geology, and engineering principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Petrel, MATLAB, and reservoir simulation tools, as well as internships or EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and solve complex problems. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative extraction of oil and gas resources.

What is an entry level position in the oil field?

An entry level petroleum engineering position in the oil field typically involves assisting with drilling operations, data collection, and equipment maintenance under supervision. These roles often require basic technical knowledge, safety training, and sometimes a relevant degree or certification, providing foundational experience in exploration and production activities.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry-level petroleum engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an entry-level petroleum engineer, you will typically be involved in supporting senior engineers with tasks such as data analysis, preparing reports, and monitoring drilling or production operations. You may assist with reservoir modeling, well testing, and evaluating production techniques. Most new hires rotate through various departments to gain broad exposure to drilling, production, and reservoir engineering, working closely with multidisciplinary teams. This structure helps you build a solid technical foundation, understand field operations, and develop strong collaboration skills early in your career.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of petroleum engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit-sharing. Such compensation is typically found in executive or highly specialized positions within large energy companies or consulting firms.

Is it hard to find a job as a petroleum engineer?

Finding a job as a petroleum engineer can be competitive due to industry fluctuations, but strong technical skills, relevant internships, and certifications can improve employment prospects. Opportunities are often available in oil and gas companies, especially for entry-level positions requiring knowledge of drilling, reservoir management, and industry software. Job availability may vary based on market conditions and geographic location.

What does an entry level petroleum engineer do?

An entry level petroleum engineer assists with the design, development, and evaluation of methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. Their responsibilities often include collecting and analyzing geological data, supporting drilling operations, monitoring production rates, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and gain practical experience while learning industry-specific technologies and processes.
More about Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Petroleum Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Petroleum Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Petroleum Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs are:
Entry Level Petroleum Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Petroleum Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Entry Level NDT Assistant

Entry Level NDT Assistant

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Lima, OH

$39K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is currently seeking Entry Level NDT Assistants for a NESTED role in Lima, OH area.

This is a fulltime embedded role with guaranteed 40 hours/week (M-F 7 AM TO 3:30 PM)

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
  • Assist Radiographers in the calibration of NDT equipment
  • Assist Radiographers to conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using NDT methods of inspection
  • 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 HAIR FOLLICLE/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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