FAQ
Petroleum Engineer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a petroleum engineer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a petroleum engineer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about petroleum engineers
Is pay high?
Yes, among the highest in engineering.
Is the industry cyclical?
Yes, jobs rise and fall with prices.
Do skills transfer?
Yes, to carbon storage and geothermal.
How much does a petroleum engineer make?
The median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $144,910 ($69.67 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $81,440 and the highest 10% earned more than $253,200.
How long does it take to become a petroleum engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is required.
Do you need a degree to be a petroleum engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Is petroleum engineer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.0% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 1,000 openings each year. Upsides include very high pay; a common challenge is that boom-and-bust cycles.
What skills does a petroleum engineer need?
Key technical skills include reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, completions, and production engineering. Employers also value problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making.
What certifications are available for petroleum engineers?
Common credentials include PE license, SPE membership, Well control certification, and Master’s. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Petroleum Engineer fit quiz, compare with Roustabout, or explore Petroleum Engineer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2171 (Petroleum engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Petroleum engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.