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Master's degree in Geology, Petroleum Geology, Geologic Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, or similar degree from accredited university. (preferred) * Commitment to obtain ...

Must understand petroleum-related business organization structures of all types and sizes, and have experience gathering and evaluating a business technical data. Must have a thorough grasp of a ...

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Petroleum Geologist information

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$46K

$88.3K

$142.5K

How much do petroleum geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum geologist in the United States is $88,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a petroleum geologist?

To thrive as a Petroleum Geologist, you need a strong background in geology, geophysics, and sedimentology, typically supported by a degree in geology or earth sciences. Familiarity with seismic interpretation software, geological mapping tools, and data analysis platforms such as Petrel or GeoGraphix is crucial. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and tools are vital for accurately identifying hydrocarbon reserves and optimizing exploration and production strategies.

What are some typical challenges a petroleum geologist faces when working on exploration projects?

Petroleum Geologists often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex subsurface data, dealing with incomplete or ambiguous geological information, and adapting to advances in exploration technology. They must collaborate closely with geophysicists, drilling engineers, and other specialists to integrate data and make informed drilling recommendations. Additionally, working in remote locations or under tight project deadlines can require flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.

What does a petroleum geologist do?

Petroleum geologists are geoscientists who have specialized skills and training regarding the extraction of raw petroleum fuels from the earth. They use cutting-edge technology to develop accurate estimations of how much fuel can be safely removed from a given area. They also oversee the extraction of this material.

What is the difference between Petroleum Geologist vs Geophysicist?

AspectPetroleum GeologistGeophysicist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, often with certifications in petroleum geologyBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics or related field, sometimes with certifications in geophysical methods
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, core sampling, seismic data analysis, office-based interpretationSeismic data processing, modeling, computer-based analysis, field surveys
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas companies, exploration firms, consulting agenciesOil and gas companies, exploration firms, research institutions

Petroleum Geologists focus on analyzing rock formations and geological data to locate oil and gas reserves, often working in the field and office. Geophysicists interpret seismic and geophysical data to identify subsurface structures. Both roles require strong technical skills and are vital in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, but they differ in their primary methods and focus areas.

What is a petroleum geologist?

Petroleum geologists are scientists who study the origin, occurrence, movement, accumulation, and exploration of oil and natural gas resources beneath the Earth's surface. They use their knowledge of geology, geophysics, and geochemistry to locate and evaluate potential oil and gas reserves. Petroleum geologists often work for oil companies, consulting firms, or government agencies, and play a key role in the energy industry by helping determine where to drill for oil and gas. Their work involves data analysis, field studies, and the interpretation of geological maps and seismic surveys.
What cities are hiring for Petroleum Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Petroleum Geologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Petroleum Geologist jobs? The most popular types of Petroleum Geologist jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Petroleum Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,266 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Senior Business Development Geologist

Devon Energy

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Devon Energy rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

At Devon, we will offer you a career full of energy and unmatched opportunities to solve today's greatest challenges. Innovation, creative problem-solving and positive change happen when people step out of their comfort zone and think differently. Our values, workplace practices, wellness programs, benefits and compensation are aimed at helping employees manage their unique personal life and care for their families so they can focus on contributing to the fullest.

Job Profile Summary:

The Senior Business Development Professional (Senior Geologist) on the Business Development Team is responsible for conducting advanced geoscience analyses using diverse geologic data for reservoir parameter analysis and formulating subsurface models to enhance reservoir understanding, executing and documenting reviewing regional maps and depositional models, determining lithology and stratigraphy, understanding reservoir performance, identifying required data, and devising efficient workflows for timely project completion.

The role utilizes technical expertise to evaluate new opportunities, enhance subsurface geological understanding of play and value drivers and provide technically robust and commercially sound recommendations leading to value creation and growth.

The primary function is to evaluate corporate M&A and asset acquisition/divestiture (A&D) opportunities through integrated geoscience, technical, and commercial assessments to support strategic investment decisions.

Job Responsibilities:

Work in a collaborative multi-discipline team, presenting to senior leadership often with little notice. Demonstrates strong collaboration skills, working effectively within teams by communicating clearly, supporting colleagues, and contributing to shared objectives

Coordinates, executes and documents geological modeling projects, ensuring effective management of scope, while consistently updating and maintaining models with the latest information and data to enhance accuracy and relevance over time.

Reviews regional maps and depositional models for potential formations, verifies visualization and analysis of the geological characteristics, performs detailed geological analyses and applies current stratigraphic correlation and structural techniques to enhance understanding of target formations.

Acquires expertise in evaluating and comprehending the outcomes of both successful and failed drilling attempts for play concepts, develops skills in mapping, constructing play analogs, rock mechanics, detailed data analytics, basic petrophysics, and log correlation

Incorporates various diagnostic techniques including well log, core analysis, seismic, volumetric mapping, and other diagnostics, identifies and logs opportunities missed or overlooked for upside value.

Evaluates geological risk associated with potential deals, ensuring proactive management of geological uncertainties for effective description of potential value loss.

Has proficiency in reservoir geophysics, basin analysis, petroleum systems

modeling, applies sequence stratigraphic concepts to calibrate reservoirs, and understands drive mechanisms and maturity levels for optimal performance.

Adheres to environmental and safety standards, ensuring strict compliance, contributing to a secure and sustainable work environment in oil and gas exploration, and fostering a commitment to responsible practices within the industry.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Geosciences, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology or any other related discipline and/or commensurate work experience is required.

Master's Degree in Geology, Geosciences, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology or any other related discipline and/or commensurate work experience is preferred.

Experience:

8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in areas such as Business Development or A&D/M&A related Geosciences, Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and/or Operations Geology, Industry experience is preferred.

Certifications:

Professional Geologist License (preferred)

Certified Petroleum Geologist (CPG) (preferred)

Certified Environmental and Engineering Geologist (CEEG) (preferred)

Competencies:

Stakeholder Relationships

Oral & Written Communication

Results Oriented

Strong analytical thinking

Active Learning

Digital Literacy

Skills:

Geological Modeling

Reservoir Engineering Concepts

Well Log Interpretation and Correlation

Basic Seismic

Basic Machine Learning

Vintage log analysis

Basin Modeling

Rock Mechanics

Sequence Stratigraphy

Sedimentology

Basic Petrophysics

Lithology and Stratigraphy Analysis

Conventional / Unconventional Concepts

Geoscience Software Proficiency:

Strong proficiency in SMT Kingdom preferred; experience with one or more of the following is also desirable: GIS, FME, Spotfire, Petrel, Trinity, or Petra.

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

For more information on Equal Employment Opportunity, please follow these links:
EEO is the Law
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency Provision


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