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Petroleum Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Minot, ND · On-site +1

$118K - $138K/yr

Students completing the last year of their bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with less than two years of directly related work experience.

Bureau of Land Management

Petroleum Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$74K - $134K/yr

Providing petroleum engineering expertise to carry out difficult and conventional assignments; unconventional applications including those covering unprecedented, complex and/or novel proposals ...

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Petroleum Engineering information

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$42K

$80K

$136K

How much do petroleum engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Petroleum Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Petroleum Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, geology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in petroleum or chemical engineering. Familiarity with industry-specific software like Petrel, Eclipse, and proficiency in data analysis tools, as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and make informed decisions in complex environments. These skills ensure efficient resource extraction, operational safety, and cost-effective project management in the highly technical and regulated energy sector.

Do petroleum engineers get paid well?

Petroleum engineers typically earn high salaries due to the technical expertise and specialized knowledge required in the oil and gas industry. Their compensation often includes base pay, bonuses, and benefits, reflecting the demand for their skills in exploration, drilling, and production operations.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPetroleum EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field; often professional engineering licenseBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may require licensure for certain roles
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, drilling sites, exploration facilities, officesManufacturing plants, design labs, maintenance sites, offices
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction, drilling companies, energy sectorManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy systems

Petroleum Engineering focuses on the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources, often working in drilling and reservoir management. Mechanical Engineering has a broader scope, involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems across various industries. While both require strong engineering fundamentals, Petroleum Engineers specialize in the energy sector, whereas Mechanical Engineers work in diverse fields.

What are petroleum engineers?

Petroleum engineers are professionals who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. They work closely with geologists to understand where resources are located and determine the best drilling and production techniques. Their responsibilities also include optimizing production, ensuring safety, and minimizing the environmental impact of extraction operations. Petroleum engineers can specialize in areas such as drilling, reservoir, production, or completions engineering.

What does a petroleum engineer do exactly?

A petroleum engineer designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They analyze geological data, use specialized software, and oversee drilling operations to optimize production while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

In petroleum engineering, senior professionals such as drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, and engineering managers with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and incentives. High-level roles often require advanced certifications, leadership abilities, and work in high-cost regions or companies with significant operational scale.

What jobs can a petroleum engineer do?

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work in exploration, drilling, production, and reservoir management, often using specialized software and requiring knowledge of geology and engineering principles. They may also work in consulting, research, or management roles within the energy industry.

What are some common challenges petroleum engineers face when working on drilling projects, and how can these be managed?

Petroleum engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected reservoir behavior, equipment failures, and environmental concerns during drilling projects. Managing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with geologists, drilling crews, and environmental specialists to adapt plans and resolve problems efficiently. Staying updated on the latest drilling technologies and safety regulations also helps in proactively addressing potential setbacks. Good communication and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure project timelines and safety standards are met.
More about Petroleum Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Petroleum Engineering jobs? Cities with the most 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 Petroleum Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Petroleum Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Petroleum Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Petroleum Engineering jobs are:
Petroleum Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Non Tenure Track Faculty-Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering

Cockrell School of Engineering

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin seeks applicants for undergraduate petroleum engineering for potential future teaching needs. We are not actively recruiting for a position at this time but will keep your application on file and notify you should be actively seeking lecturers.
Positions are part-time to full-time, depending on need and instructor breadth of expertise, all being contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. Positions are annually renewable, contingent on funding and performance.
Qualifications
A PhD in petroleum engineering or a closely related field is preferred, but exceptions can be made for applicants with a Master's degree, pertinent expertise and substantial work experience. Previous teaching and/or training experience is preferred. Industry work experience is considered an advantage. Applicants are desired with expertise and desire to teach in any area of petroleum engineering, but there is particular need for undergraduate capstone engineering design and oil and gas economic evaluation. Full and part time positions are possible depending on alignment of candidate expertise and available courses. SALARY: Dependent on position and qualifications.
Application Instructions
Interested persons should submit a detailed resume including academic, training, and technical experience, a statement regarding their specific teaching interests and qualifications, and a list of three references.

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