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Entry Level Petroleum Engineering information

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$136K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Entry level petroleum engineering positions typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant internships or certifications. Age is not a barrier; many engineers start their careers later in life and bring valuable experience to the field.

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 senior management, executive positions, or highly specialized roles within the industry.

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 opportunities exist in exploration, production, and consulting firms. Strong technical skills, relevant internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects in this field.

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 1% Locum Tenens, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Entry Level Engineer - Designer I

Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators

Columbia, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Entry Level Engineer - Columbia, KY
Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is looking for an Entry Level Engineer for its Kentucky operations working out of the Columbia, KY office.
Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is no ordinary tank construction company. We specialize in the complex and fast-paced environment of tank repair on a nationwide scale. No two tanks are alike, so when they need repair, they often pose unique or complicated technical issues. Our experienced engineering staff are well-versed in API 650, API 653, AWWA D100, AWWA D103, API 12D, and other tank specifications.
PTS is a growing, team-oriented company led by individuals with decades of experience in the field of construction, repair, and maintenance of field-welded, above-ground steel tanks. Our contracts include projects in petroleum, power, water, and renewable fuels markets. Based in Braddock, PA, PTS has active projects throughout the United States and internationally. PTS utilizes SolidWorks to produce designs and fabrication details for our steel structures. Our capabilities to automate the design and detailing of semi-custom unique structures are unmatched in the industry. We are currently looking for an entry-level Engineer that we may develop in our systems and approach.
Statement of Purpose
To provide satisfying, long-term work opportunities for our dedicated employees - We believe that there is pride to be gained in performing productive work, and there should be great satisfaction in achieving results as a team. Our efforts will be spent towards continuously improving the health, strength, and quality of the company. We believe our collective success will generate value that supports our families and benefits our communities.
The Phillips Tank and Structure difference:
  • Our people are our #1 priority.
  • Teamwork is the best way to solve problems.
  • Safety is critical. Everyone is responsible for creating a safe work environment.
  • We strive to find new and better ways of doing things every day.
  • Clear expectations and directions are always given.
  • Frequent coaching and support leads to great performers and high quality for our customers.
  • A manager's job is to set each employee up for success every day.
  • We don't punish people for mistakes - we work together to understand the root cause of a mistake and solve it together.
  • We strive to create an environment where you look forward to coming to work each day and leave work with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Duties Include:
  • Perform structural design calculations for steel structures using Mathcad & other tools developed by PTS.
  • Create fabrication drawings that can be used for multiple purposes to promote automation in both purchasing and fabrication of design assemblies. These drawing packages will also be used by field construction staff to erect or repair tanks and associated equipment.
  • Assist in the procurement of material and fabricated assemblies for delivery. Coordinate with suppliers to properly communicate the necessary requirements.
  • Use proper industry codes (API 650, API 620, AWWA D100, and others), customer specifications, and company standards in the generation of design drawing packages.
  • Visit project sites to measure existing conditions to support design duties. These visits may involve climbing ladders and carrying measuring instruments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Lead Designers and PTS Management.
  • Refine and develop custom-built SolidWorks design tables & other tools.

Applicant Requirements:
  • Excellent math skills in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
  • Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering.
  • 2+ years of experience or equivalent training using SolidWorks or other 3D drafting software is a plus.
  • Skilled in the use of MS Excel, Word, and other productivity software.
  • Use of Mathcad or other engineering calculation programs is a plus.
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills, both orally and written.
  • Be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Salary commensurate with experience. PTS offers excellent benefits, including 401K, health coverage, paid vacation, and holidays. There is no relocation offered for this position. PTS is an EOE.
Please submit a resume with a cover letter detailing salary requirements.

Apply