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Petroleum Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do petroleum engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum engineers 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 do petroleum engineers do?

Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing and developing methods to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. They work to optimize drilling and production techniques, ensure safety and efficiency, and solve complex problems related to resource extraction. Their work often involves collaboration with geologists, overseeing drilling operations, and using advanced technology to maximize recovery while minimizing environmental impact.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineers vs Drilling Engineers?

AspectPetroleum EngineersDrilling Engineers
CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering
Work EnvironmentReservoirs, production facilities, research labsDrilling sites, rigs, field operations
Industry UsageDesigning extraction methods, reservoir managementPlanning and executing drilling operations

Petroleum Engineers focus on reservoir management and extraction techniques, while Drilling Engineers specialize in planning and conducting drilling operations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in the oil and gas industry, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

What kind of jobs do petroleum engineers do?

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They analyze geological data, develop drilling plans, and oversee production operations, often using specialized software and equipment. Their work environment is typically in oil fields, drilling sites, or office settings, and they may need professional engineering licenses.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior petroleum engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing in the oil and gas industry. High earnings are often associated with working in senior management, specialized technical positions, or in regions with high-cost living and industry demand.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Petroleum engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-cost-of-living regions or in senior management roles. Achieving this level often requires specialized knowledge of drilling, reservoir management, and industry certifications.

Are petroleum engineers still in demand?

Petroleum engineers are still in demand in the oil and gas industry, especially in regions with active exploration and production. However, demand can fluctuate with changes in energy markets, technological advancements, and shifts toward renewable energy sources. Strong technical skills and knowledge of drilling, reservoir management, and safety protocols remain valuable for the role.

What are some common challenges petroleum engineers face when working on drilling projects?

Petroleum engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected geological formations, fluctuating reservoir pressures, and equipment malfunctions during drilling projects. These situations require quick problem-solving, adaptability, and close collaboration with geologists, drilling crews, and safety managers to devise effective solutions. Managing environmental regulations and ensuring safety standards are also critical aspects of the role, making strong communication and project management skills essential for success.

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 engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as reservoir simulation tools, drilling and production technologies, and knowledge of safety and environmental regulations are crucial. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills that help manage complex projects and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are important for optimizing resource extraction, ensuring operational safety, and maximizing profitability in a highly technical and dynamic industry.
More about Petroleum Engineers jobs
What cities are hiring for Petroleum Engineers jobs? Cities with the most Petroleum Engineers job openings:
What states have the most Petroleum Engineers jobs? States with the most job openings for Petroleum Engineers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Chevron

Bakersfield, CA • On-site, Remote

$118K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Chevron rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 218 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Who We Are. Chevron is one of the world's leading energy companies-but what really sets us apart is how we're rethinking energy for the future. From producing oil and gas to developing lowercarbon technologies, Chevron engineers work across the full energy system to power everyday life more safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Learn more about What We Do and The Chevron Way.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Chevron operates around the globe and across the entire energy value chain. Learn more on our website Chevron.com.

What You'll Actually Do

For the 2026-2027 recruiting season, Chevron is accepting online applications for entry-level Petroleum Engineers in the following potential locations

  • Houston, Texas
  • Midland, Texas
  • Greeley, Colorado
  • Minot, North Dakota
  • Covington, Louisiana
  • Bakersfield, California

Petroleum Engineers within Chevron are part of multi-disciplinary teams which vary in make-up but can include petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, facility engineers, drilling and completion engineers, data scientists, and / or software developers. Petroleum engineers develop technical skills in production and reservoir engineering assignments focused on asset development planning, production operations, reserves, uncertainty and risk management, and capital project development.

Entry-level Petroleum Engineers are assigned to production and reservoir engineering positions and projects that contribute value to Chevron. Entry-level Petroleum Engineers will be provided guidance by a supervisor and a technical mentor. Positions can be either field or office based.

For recent graduates, Chevron has a competency-based employee development program that typically includes two technical assignments in the first 3 years of their career. This is supported by comprehensive technical training and mentoring combined with on-the-job experience. Mobility is encouraged as there may be some opportunities for Chevron's Petroleum Engineers to work in a variety of assignments at different US locations.

As a Petroleum Engineer, you could begin your career in Chevron's domestic Upstream operations or research-focused Center of Excellence (COE) spending your first 5-10 years in a combination of production and/or reservoir engineering assignments. You will be tasked to solve technically challenging problems with the opportunity to utilize cutting-edge digital technologies and techniques. Career opportunities for petroleum engineers may include asset team leadership, business planning and analysis, non-operated joint venture asset management, operations supervision, portfolio development, and project management.

What's Next After the Internship

Topperforming interns may be invited back-or offered a fulltime role after graduation.

New grads who join Chevron fulltime enter the Horizons Program, a structured earlycareer experience that includes:

  • Formal training + onthejob learning
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Multiple job assignments and possible location rotations

You can build a career as a technical expert, people leader, or both.

What You Must Have

The following qualifications are required:

  • 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.
  • Strong academic performance in core programs, and excellent communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • This position may require driving on a routine basis.
  • Ability to demonstrate The Chevron Way.

What Sets You Apart

The following are preferred qualifications:

  • Students completing the last year of their Master's or Doctorate program or with less than 2 years post-graduate degree experience in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
  • Experience in research, technology development or consulting.
  • Previous experience in an integrated oil or international service company intern program.
  • Participation in an industry or energy company university research project.

Why Intern at Chevron?

  • You work on real projects, not side tasks
  • You use modern tools and cloud platforms
  • You learn how software scales in a global enterprise
  • You build skills that translate anywhere
  • You're supported by experienced engineers and mentors

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $118,000/annually - $138,000/annually. The selected candidate's monthly or hourly compensation will be determined based on their selected role, degree level and academic year.

As an intern, you will receive the following benefits:

  • Furnished housing.
  • Participation in Employee Savings Investment Plan with immediate vesting in both employee and company contributions.
    • Chevron matching contributions:
      • 4% company match for a 1% employee contribution.
      • 8% company match for a 2% employee contribution.
  • Work schedules:
    • Flexible work schedules (5/40, 9/80, or 4/10), as determined by the work group and confirmed with the hiring manager.
  • Paid holidays depending on your work schedule.
  • Full year of service credit for each internship completion (must be re-employed within 365 days)

If later converted to a fulltime new graduate position, Chevron offers competitive pay and benefits to eligible employees, including healthcare, time off, retirement plans, and development opportunities. Learn more at http://hr2.chevron.com/

Relocation Options:

Relocation may be considered

International Considerations:

Chevron regrets that it will not sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position unless the candidate possesses a Ph.D. or is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program

These positions may involve Chevron Oil, Products & Gas (OPG) technologies that are subject to U.S. export controls and trade sanctions. These export control laws apply to individuals who are (a) not U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, temporary resident aliens, applicants for temporary resident status, refugees, or asylees; and who are also (b) current citizens or permanent residents of a country that is subject to comprehensive trade sanctions under U.S. export control law, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx. As such, we regret that we would be unable to provide a meaningful internship experience at OPG for you because under government regulations, OPG would not be able to allow access to such technologies absent an authorization from the U.S. government. For this reason, OPG is not considering applicants who are current citizens and/or permanent residents of countries subject to comprehensive U.S. trade sanctions.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and unofficial transcript(s) online.

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    U.S. Regulatory notice:

    Chevron is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

    We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please email us at emplymnt@chevron.com.

    Chevron participates in E-Verify in certain locations as required by law.


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    About Chevron

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and seeking to grow lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

    Industry

    Oil and coal products manufacturing, civic and social organizations and oil and gas extraction

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    San Ramon, CA, US

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