Career Profile Petroleum Engineers Education Bachelor's This is the typical education required for an entry-level position. Earnings $127,300 This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. General Information Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice. Watch a brief video about this occupation. Watch Video Petroleum Engineers Occupational Outlook For the Rural Capital Area 5 Job Opportunities Over the next five years, an average of 5 openings per year are projected for Petroleum Engineers. +13.1% Employment Change Employment for Petroleum Engineers is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 13.1% between 2023 and 2028. $61.21 Earnings Potential An average worker in this occupation is paid $61.21/hour. Entry level workers are paid $42.00, while experienced workers are paid $80.73. The median wage is significantly above average regional wages across occupations. Local Employment Opportunities There are 53 Petroleum Engineers in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 60. Top Employing Industries, Locally The top industries employing Petroleum Engineers are Oil and Gas Extraction, Support Activities for Mining, and Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services. Knowledge Areas The top most significant knowledge categories for Petroleum Engineers include Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, and Physics. Educational Attainment Patterns The most common level of education for Petroleum Engineers is Bachelor's. 91% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree. Sources: BLS JobsEQ® ONET
