# Petroleum Engineers

SOC 17-2171. Page: https://educationguide.com/careers/petroleum-engineers

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.

## Pay and outlook
- U.S. median wage $144,910 (middle half $106,270–$197,920; BLS May 2025)
- Jobs 2025-35: 2%; ~1k openings a year; typical entry: Bachelor's degree

## Fields of degree of young workers (ages 25-34, bachelor's+)

## Median wage by state
- AK: $206,290
- CA: $143,590
- CO: $172,190
- KS: $115,640
- LA: $139,640
- MT: $104,060
- ND: $132,120
- NE: $100,800
- NM: $99,900
- OH: $99,260
- OK: $153,020
- PA: $101,880
- TX: $164,860
- UT: $172,840
- WA: $134,800
- WV: $93,360

Method: https://educationguide.com/how-we-score#careers

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