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Subsurface Engineer information

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$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do subsurface engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a subsurface engineer?

Subsurface engineers, also known as completion or reservoir engineers, are professionals in the oil and gas industry who design, implement, and manage systems and processes to extract resources from beneath the earth's surface. They focus on optimizing recovery techniques, evaluating well performance, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of subsurface operations. Their work often involves collaborating with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to maximize resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a subsurface engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Subsurface Engineer, you need a strong background in geology, reservoir engineering, and petroleum engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with technical software such as Petrel, Eclipse, and other reservoir modeling tools, as well as familiarity with industry standards and certifications like SPE or IWCF, is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you stand out in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing reservoir performance, ensuring safe operations, and maximizing value from subsurface assets.

What are some common challenges subsurface engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Subsurface Engineers often work closely with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to optimize reservoir performance. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication across disciplines, as each team may have different technical perspectives and priorities. Managing data integration and aligning on project goals are key to successful collaboration. Proactively building strong working relationships and maintaining open communication channels can help overcome these challenges and lead to more effective project outcomes.

What is the difference between Subsurface Engineer vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectSubsurface EngineerReservoir Engineer
Primary FocusGeological formations, wellbore stability, and subsurface data analysisReservoir performance, fluid flow, and production optimization
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, or related field; often certifications in subsurface analysisBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or Reservoir Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, subsurface modeling labsReservoir simulation labs, field production sites
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling operationsProduction planning, reservoir management

Both roles are vital in the oil and gas industry, focusing on different aspects of subsurface resources. Subsurface Engineers analyze geological formations and assist in drilling, while Reservoir Engineers optimize production based on reservoir behavior. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

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Subsurface Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Manager, Subsurface Engineering & Operations

Western Midstream

The Woodlands, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Western Midstream rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary:

Western Midstream is seeking an experienced leader for the role of Manager, Subsurface Engineering & Operations, based in The Woodlands, Texas. This position leads a multidisciplinary team of subsurface engineers, geologists, and tech supporting new and existing infrastructure for Western Midstream's produced water disposal program. 

The successful candidate will set technical direction, prioritize and allocate work across disciplines, develop team capability, and hold accountability for the quality and timeliness of the team's deliverables - relying on the team to execute detailed analysis and evaluation. The role also serves as the subsurface technical voice in acquisition and divestiture opportunity reviews and in capital planning discussions with commercial, operations, and finance leadership.

Responsibilities:

  • Prioritize and allocate team resources across basins and competing project demands 
  • Own the quality, consistency, and defensibility of subsurface deliverables - including injection interval selection, confining zone evaluation, and disposal capacity assessments 
  • Review and approve SWD well design, workover procedures, and injection performance recommendations 
  • Oversee preparation of early project scopes, estimates, and well location planning to support facility and
  • gathering system design 
  • Serve as the subsurface interface to project management, operations, commercial, permitting, and regulatory affairs; translate technical findings into clear business recommendations 
  • Contribute to capital forecasting, AFE development, and project prioritization through high-quality early-phase deliverables 
  • Provide subsurface due diligence support for acquisition and divestiture evaluations 
  • Ensure work is executed in accordance with regulatory requirements (Texas Railroad Commission, New Mexico OCD, EPA UIC) and company safety and compliance standards 
  • Champion a strong safety culture within the team and in all field interactions

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of twelve (12) years' experience in the oil and gas industry; experience with saltwater disposal or injection systems strongly preferred 
  • Minimum of five (5) years directly supervising technical professionals, including performance management, development planning, and workload prioritization across disciplines 
  • Minimum of six (6) years' combined experience in drilling, completions, or injection/disposal operations 
  • Knowledge of industry standards for well design, completions, and workover operations 
  • Functional knowledge of drilling engineering and drilling operations 
  • Experience interfacing with state and federal regulatory agencies 
  • Experience with well location planning and permitting 
  • Working knowledge of production and reservoir engineering, subsurface characterization, or petrophysics a plus 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through others - setting direction and standards rather than performing the analysis personally 
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to present technical conclusions to non-technical stakeholders 
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment 

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Petroleum, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required 
  • Grade and salary will be commensurate with relevant education and experience 

 

Travel Requirements:

  • Up to 10% travel to field locations as needed

Work Schedule:

  • This position is eligible for the 9/80 hybrid work schedule (four 9-hour days and half-day Fridays), with in-office work on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and remote work on Wednesday and Friday

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