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Petroleum Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 8, 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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Petroleum Geologist jobs? The top employers for Petroleum Geologist jobs are:
What states have the most Petroleum Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Petroleum Geologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Petroleum Geologist jobs? For Petroleum Geologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Petroleum Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,266 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Amber Waters at amber.waters@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Basic Requirement:
GS-1350 Series:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. Experience that involved only one phase of geology work, e.g., collecting samples, would not be acceptable as providing the required professional knowledge of the theory and principles of geology. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. Examples include some positions in geophysics, mining engineering, soils science, physical oceanography, hydrology, climatology, biology, analytic or experimental chemistry, metallurgy, and comparable fields where the normal duties or results of investigations have been extended to the solution of geologic problems by the applicant. Ordinary functions of positions such as seismic, computer, petroleum or mining engineer, mine superintendent, or metallurgist generally are not considered professional geological experience. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Collected, analyzed, and reviewed soil and rock sample data and reported findings in response to a geologic inquiry or as a result of reviewing a geologic map or report;
  • Participated in validity examinations and surveyed forest land to make assessments of geologic potential;
  • Conducted studies or investigations on projects where minerals and geology activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources.
OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled)
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Conducted geological studies and investigations on a variety of projects where geology and mineral activities had an effect on development and/or management of forest resources;
  • Applied geologic principles to methods of prospecting, exploration, development, and mining, including investigating and determining the geologic limitations and capacities of projects in a specific geographical area;
  • Developed and analyzed data and prepared reports related to the responsiveness of implementation plans for environmental protection programs, including reviewing and coordinating the preparation of comments on complex environmental impact statements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the GS-11 grade level. There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-12.Employment Type: OTHER