Petroleum engineers determine the safest and most efficient way to drill from wells and extract oil and natural gas. To pursue this career, you need a petroleum engineering bachelor's degree. With a projected 15% job growth rate, this exciting field is growing faster than other fields, which means better job security and a more positive long-term career outlook. Although a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering is highly preferred to start this career, a bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, and mechanical engineering are acceptable as well.In 2017, petroleum engineers earned an annual median wage of more than $130,000, which is higher than normal for engineering positions. Petroleum engineers work at drilling and well sites or in office environments. They often travel to various locations and job sites to coordinate with customers, clients, oilfield workers, and engineers to ensure jobs get completed safely and on time. Although a bachelor's degree is required, field experience is also helpful.
Why Earn a Petroleum Engineering Degree Online?
Many employers need professionals with an online petroleum engineering degree. These professionals boast skills that are highly useful in their focus areas. Petroleum engineers often earn higher pay than other engineers because of their unique skills in the engineering market.
- AccessibilityBy accessing courses online, aspiring petroleum engineers can study and complete assignments from anywhere, which is especially helpful for working individuals.
- FlexibilityAspiring engineers who can attend classes at their convenience can better focus on their field work and balance their personal and professional commitments.
- School OptionsSome engineers travel the country visiting job sites while others work from nearby offices. To successfully complete a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, consider your specific situation.
- DiversityThrough networking, engineering students can relate to and learn from others in the field. Networking also opens up job opportunities when individuals remain in contact with their associates. By meeting other engineers from different backgrounds, you also expand your knowledge.
- TechnologyLearning asynchronously allows students to engage with professors and classmates at a convenient time.
Types of Petroleum Engineering Degrees
Petroleum engineering schools online offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Typically, the higher level of education, the more career opportunities are available. Although you need a bachelor's degree to work as a petroleum engineer, most employers prefer a master's degree. You can earn an associate degree in 2-3 years while a bachelor's can take 3-5 years. To earn a master's degree, you must invest up to two years after your bachelor's degree or up to six years if you are completing a bachelor's and master's dual program. Tuition rates vary depending on your school and state.
Petroleum Engineering Licenses and Certifications
To work as an entry-level petroleum engineer, you need a bachelor's degree, but not licensure. However, if you want to pursue higher leadership duties, a professional engineering (PE) license teaches you how to oversee other engineers and lead various projects. PE license requirements vary by state, but typically you must earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program. You also need at least four years of relevant work experience and a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.In order to keep up with license requirements, petroleum engineers must continue their education. Some societies and associations, such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers, offer their own certification. Engineers can get certified through these groups if they hold membership.
What Can You Do With a Petroleum Engineering Degree?
Individuals with a petroleum engineering degree are in high demand. Petroleum engineering professionals can work in roles such as engineering technologist, college professor, pipeline engineer, or petroleum engineering foreman. Most jobs require travel and engineers often work at wells or drill sites. A petroleum engineering career offers a rewarding, stable, and lucrative path for students who enjoy a particular field.
Petroleum Engineering Salaries by Position
Job TitleMinimum Degree RequiredDescriptionMedian Annual SalaryGeological or Petroleum TechnicianAssociate degreeThese technicians provide assistance to engineers and scientists when researching and discovering oil, natural gas, and minerals. They also assist in extracting natural gases and other chemical and physical components derived from the earth.$54,190Petroleum EngineerBachelor's degreeThese engineers develop methods on how to extract oil or gas from beneath the earth's surface. Petroleum engineers find ways to work on old and new wells.$132,280Reservoir EngineerBachelor's degreeThese engineers help companies find and use underground fossil fuels. They research and determine whether they can benefit from these fuels.$115,496Drilling EngineerBachelor's degree, licensure requirementThese engineers oversee all drilling operations. They stay on top of state and federal drilling requirements and the best methods. They also stay current on new drilling data.$116,692Engineering ManagerBachelor's degree, licensure requirementThese managers supervise and oversee a company's technical engineering operations. They guide other engineers to make the best possible decisions. They also produce reports to ensure they meet quality standards in the industry.$114,554Project Manager, EngineeringBachelor's degree, licensure requirementThese project managers lead specialized engineers in specific projects. They ensure engineers follow safety regulations and laws. They also create proposals and keep records of all financial costs of incoming projects.$89,490Work experience helps engineers advance in the field, as companies value and appreciate real-world experience; however, the ultimate advancement comes when engineers possess both work experience and formal education. See the chart below for potential salary earnings for petroleum engineers based on their work experience alone.Salaries for Petroleum Engineers by ExperienceJob TitleEntry LevelMid-CareerExperiencedLate-CareerPetroleum Engineer$97,000$120,000$140,000$177,000
Where Do Petroleum Engineers Work?
Work environments and conditions for petroleum engineers vary by geographic location, industry, and company. Petroleum engineers often work in either an office environment or somewhere with a drill or well site. They also travel frequently, both domestically and abroad. The highest-paying jobs for petroleum engineers exist in managing large companies, extracting oil or gas, or assisting with mining activities. Working hours and schedules vary depending on the company. Typically, petroleum engineers work 40 hours a week; however, depending on job title and specific deadlines, petroleum engineers may work longer hours. They also might not stay on a single job site, and instead can oversee and lead multiple job sites for a given company.Below are some of the top-paying locations for petroleum engineers.Top-Paying Locations for Petroleum EngineersState/AreaEmploymentAnnual Mean WageNew Jersey190$187,370Texas17,840$170,450Colorado1,410$163,110Alaska820$149,220Louisiana1,510$148,600
Resources for Petroleum Engineering Students
Professional Petroleum Engineering Organizations
By joining a professional organization, petroleum engineers can network with other engineers, seek scholarships, explore job openings, and take advantage of resources regarding certifications and licensures. Browse the list below to explore some of the field's professional organizations.
- Society of Petroleum Engineers: This organization serves workers in the oil and gas industry by providing resources and networking opportunities.
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers: This organization advocates for the safety and responsibility of those working in the oil and gas industry. The group represents various companies and promotes responsible development strategies.
- Independent Petroleum Association of America: This organization represents thousands of oil and natural gas producers around the country and provides educational materials, courses, news, and information about upcoming meetings and events.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology: Through the U.S. Department of Commerce, this institute works scientifically to enhance and improve the quality of life for industry professionals and all those they serve. This site provides educational resources, updated news information, events, and publications.
- U.S. Geological Survey: This site provides reliable scientific information for professionals working in the field to enhance their knowledge about better understanding the earth. The site offers current information for working professionals to continue learning about the field, as well as networking and career opportunities.